Designated public beaches are sampled for E. coli bacteria throughout the summer to help ensure safe swimming conditions. Water samples are typically collected once a week, though this may be reduced to monthly if the beach consistently had good water the previous summer.

A Public Beach is:

• Owned and operated by a municipality.
• Open to the general public for swimming.

Private Beach Sampling

• We only monitor designated public beaches.
• Please contact one of the private laboratories on the Government of Ontario's List of Licensed Laboratories to test the water quality of a private waterfront or beach.

Conditions that Affect Water Quality

• Rain: Heavy rain can wash contaminants into the water. Avoid swimming 24-48 hours after a heavy rainfall.
• Wind: Stong winds can stir up sand and silt, making the water cloudy. If you can't see your feet in waist-deep water, bacteria levels may be high.
• Birds and animals: Feces from birds and animals can increase bacteria levels, especially near the shoreline.
• Warm shallow water and wet sand: These conditions can promote bacteria growth. Always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after playing in the sand or water.

 LEGEND:

No Swimming advisory.

• Bacteria levels in the beach water are below the recreational water quality guideline of 200 E. coli per 100mL.
• The test results are usually received 24 hours after samples are collected.
• Beach water quality can change hourly due to environmental conditions.
• Be aware of conditions that impact beach water quality and make an informed decision before swimming.

Swimming advisory is posted.

• Bacteria levels in the beach water are above he recreational water quality guideline of 200 E. coli per 100mL.
• There is a risk of minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections and stomach illness.
• Avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water if you choose to swim during an advisory.
• Swimming advisories are lifted once water testing show bacteria levels are below the recreational water quality guideline.

List of current swimming advisories.

Beach is closed.

• A beach is closed when a significant risk to health and safety has been identified, such as a sewage or chemical spill.
• Beach closures are rare.

*Provincial Park beach water quality data (i.e.: Wasaga Beach) is available at: http://www.ontarioparks.com

​Testing Results by Area:

Inspection Types

• Routine: Regularly scheduled water sample collection and inspection of the beach.
• Follow-up: When previous water samples have shown high levels of bacteria, follow-up tests are taken.
• Complaint: An inspection is conducted when we receive a complaint about a public beach.

External Links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Swimmers Itch

• Health Canada Recreational Water and Health: Overview