The Windsor Essex County Health Unit reports its enhanced beach monitoring system launched in 2025 was a useful tool for the community.
Last year, in addition to its weekly beach water testing, the health unit worked with local municipalities to assess the clarity and temperature of the water daily at four local beaches.
These assessments were given to the health unit's epidemiologists who used predictive modeling to forecast daily e. coli levels.
"The validation for the model is very accurate so it can help provide that daily result or predictive result to the public," said Jenny Tan, environmental health manager. "It gives them additional pieces of information from Monday to Friday to make that daily decision, which gives them additional information to go on."
After the daily assessments are completed, a risk category of high, moderate, or low, is added to the beach monitoring portal through the health unit's website.
Currently, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West, Point Pelee North West, Colchester, and Holiday Beach are signed up for the 2026 program.
