E. Coli in Tiowero:ton and Recreation Bay
Written by Jeremy Zafran on 5 July 2023
The Public Safety Division of the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke says that Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services’ Environmental Health Services have tested and detected elevated levels of E. coli in Tioweró:ton and now at Recreation Bay. KSCS announcing midday that Recreation Bay Beach is closed for reasons of health and safety due to high levels of E. coli. Recent water sampling by technicians has revealed a rise in E. coli and is recommending the closure of the beach until levels return to what is considered acceptable for swimming and recreation. There are always certain levels of bacteria in water, but today’s high levels currently make it unsafe for swimming. Although technicians will be testing a second time this week in preparation for Pow-wow weekend, improvements to the water quality are only expected once there has been a significant amount of rainfall.
As a result of previous tests in Tioweró:ton, health Services is advising that people should not swim in the area of the First Bridge, Second Bridge, or Falls Area until further notice. The Campsite Bridge Area is still considered safe to swim at this time. The water will be re-tested once there has been a 24-hour period with no rainfall.
