Beachgoers concerned about Murray Beach pollution, lack of warnings

Beachgoers are concerned they were not told of high levels of fecal bacteria at Murray Beach when they swam there thissummer.

Testing at the provincial park revealed the water remained open to swimming on at least 26 days when it should have been closed under federal guidelines, and no signs were posted to let swimmers know.

On June 15, fecal streptococcilevels above federal norms were detected at the west and east ends of Murray Beach.The water was not tested again until June 20.

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Then on July 26,fecal streptococci level were foundagain to exceedfederal norms for safe swimming, and remained elevatedduring the next two testings, on Aug. 3 and Aug. 16.

The department of tourism has declinedprovidingtest results after Aug. 16, saying results were still being compiled.

'It makes me mad'

Hollie Lake lives a kilometre down the road from Murray Beach and has been swimming therefor the past 30 years.

She was shocked to learn of the pollution problem.

''It makes memad,'' said Lake. ''We should be informed of what's going on in our waters. There are lots of kids at this beach in the summer time. It's a busy beach.''

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Mellissa Creightonlives in Charlottetown. She was unaware of issues with water quality when she went camping at Murray Beach this summer with her children.

''Being from the island I didn't give it any thought at all,'' said Creighton.''Because there seems to be no issue with the water quality on the Strait side here.''

''I really was upset. These are my children and they're swimming in the water. The beach was quite busy that day. And I had no idea.''

Not like this in P.E.I.

Creighton said it's not the fact there was an issue with water quality that worries her the most, it's not being notified.

''At least to know there had been an issue and they were keeping an eye on it would be reassuring in itself,'' said Creighton.

Creighton said the lack of signage in New Brunswick is a stark contrast to the way P.E.I. beaches are managed.

''There's lots of signage there. Water quality, temperature, the date as to when it was taken. The beaches are very important to the tourism here in P.E.I.''

Creighton said while some in New Brunswick may have heard of poor water quality, those visiting from out of province are left even more in the dark.

''If you've got a place that's basically drawing the tourists in from far and away, you can't assume that they're actually aware of the situation unless you have signage right there,'' said Creighton.

'System not perfect'

Acting chief medical officer of health Dr. Jennifer Russell said because there are no signs at Murray Beach, in the past guests entering the parkwere given pamphlets.

''The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health recognizes that the current system is not perfect,'' said Russell.

But beachgoers CBC spoke to said they did not receive pamphlets informing them of water qualitythis summer.