Old Beach was unsafe 38 per cent of summer

Old Beach at Fairy Lake in Acton was considered unsafe for swimming for 38 per cent of the summer season in 2006. In 2005, the beach was considered unsafe for swimming for 58 per cent of the time, according to a Halton Region Health Department report. Boathouse Beach at Fairy Lake remained closed for the whole summer due to consistently high bacteria levels in recent years. At least two samples taken last summer were above the provincial standard for E. coli. Health department staff carried out a detailed environmental assessment of Fairy Lake, which included identification of possible pollutants contributing to the bacterial levels: commercial and industrial waste discharges, sewage treatment plant effluent, storm water outflows, septic system discharges and agricultural runoff. As well, the prevalence of Canada geese has been blamed for the high bacterial counts. Rainfall and water temperature are also environmental factors. The Health Department recommends a meeting of the region, Town and conservation authority and other interested parties to develop a comprehensive approach to understanding the environmental influences on the lake.