Cap St. Jacques water safe again

Results of the water samples taken by the Environment Ministry on July 23 came in the next day with a D-rating, indicating the water was too polluted for swimming. The Pierrefonds beach was closed to the public in the afternoon on July 24, only to reopen the next day after new samples rated the water B at the big beach and A at the small one.

“Usually the results are excellent,” said Jocelyn Brazeau of Cap St. Jacques. “We think it (the D-grading) was because of the heavy rains we had in the days before, which may have had an impact.”

Brazeau explained the water tests are done alternately by the Environment Ministry and the City of Montreal’s Service de l'environnement on a weekly basis. Beach closures are determined according to the grades given to the samples. Water graded from A (excellent) to C (fair) is considered safe for swimming. Beaches with a D-grading, however, must close until further tests show the water quality has returned to a safe level. Failed septic systems, sewage connections improperly connected to stormwater drainage pipes, and heavy rains causing run-off to flow into the water can all lead to raised fecal coliform bacteria levels.

Test results from water samples taken on July 31 have now graded the Cap St. Jacques beaches at an A.

Beachgoers can check the water quality at all Montreal parks and beaches by following the ‘Large Parks’ link on the City of Montreal’s website (ville.montreal.qc.ca).