"To date, 27 wells have had water samples taken," said Department of Health Communications spokesman Bruce McFarlane.

Wastewater surveillance works because many infectious agents are excreted in bodily fluids, before and during active infection, says Lawrence Goodridge of the University of Guelph.

The beach at Valens Lake Conservation Area is closed as of Friday to mitigate any further exposure to the bacteria.

Following tests conducted on Monday, Peterborough's health unit listed the five beaches as unsafe for swimmers due to E. coli bacteria.

An increase in E. coli in West Harbour is being blamed on a combination of extended high temperatures, very little rain and high concentrations of water fowl.

Jones Beach and Lakefield Park beach both have tested for high levels of E. coli bacteria.

As the May long weekend approached 20 years ago, an invisible killer began stalking the unsuspecting town of Walkerton, Ont., preparing to unleash an epidemic that would damage or destroy many lives.

A youth leader of the Oneida Nation of the Thames is continuing his call for upgrades to the community's water treatment facility.

The Italian Store in Calgary is recalling a brand of frozen ground veal over possible E. coli contamination.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency said the recall was triggered by findings during its investigation into a food-borne illness outbreak.