Google Translate Disclaimer

Translation on this website is provided by Google Translate, a third-party automated translator tool. The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of translations performed by Google Translate, or for any issues or damages resulting from its use.

beach
print header

Beach Water Testing

Beach Water Testing

Beach water sampling and monitoring has ended for the 2024 season and will resume in June 2025.

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:

safe-to-swim 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.

advisory 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-closedBeach 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

Did you find what you were looking for today?
What did you like about this page?
How can we improve this page?
Page
Feedback

If you have any questions or concerns that require a response, please contact Health Connection directly.

Thanks for your feedback.
Failed to submit comment. Please try submitting again or contact us at the Health Unit.
Comment already submitted ...