Throughout the summer, designated public beaches are tested for E. coli bacteria to ensure the water is safe for recreational use. These beaches are owned and operated by municipalities and are open to everyone. Water samples are usually collected once a week, and results are typically available within 24 hours after sampling.
Understand Beach Status LEGEND: Safe to Swim (No Swimming Advisory)
Bacteria levels are below 200 E. coli per 100mL . Water quality can change quickly due to weather and other factors. Always check conditions and make an informed decision before you swim. Swimming Advisory is Posted
Bacteria levels are above 200 E. coli per 100mL. There is a higher risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections as well as stomach illness. If you choose to swim during an advisory avoid putting your head under or swallowing water. Advisories are lifted once bacteria levels return to safe levels. Stay Informed by visiting the list of current swimming advisories . Beach is Closed
A beach is closed when there is a serious health or safety risk, such as a sewage or chemical spill. Beach closures are rare. *Provincial Park beach water quality data is available at Ontario Parks .
Conditions that Affect Water Quality Before entering the water, check current beach conditions. Water quality can change quickly due to factors such as:
Recent Heavy Rain: Rainwater washes agricultural and urban contaminants (including pet and wildlife waste) into lakes and rivers. Always wait 24 to 48 hours after a heavy rainfall before swimming.Cloudy Water & High Waves : Wave action stirs up mud and silt. Rule of Thumb - If you cannot see your feet while standing in waist-deep water, bacteria levels are likely elevated, and you should avoid swimming. Large Number of Swimmers: Swimmers kick up bottom sediments, increasing water cloudiness and stirring up dormant bacteria resting in the sand. Birds and Waterfowl: Droppings from gulls, geese and ducks are a major source of bacteria in shallow waters and wet sand. Avoid feeding birds to keep them away from swimming areas. VIDEO
Beach Testing Program How often are beaches tested? Water samples are usually taken once a week. Sampling may be reduced to once a month if the beach had good water quality last summer. Results are usually received 24 hours after sampling . What is a public beach? A public beach is:
Owned and operated by a municipality. Open to everyone for swimming. Only public beaches are included in the monitoring program.
Private Beaches and Waterfronts Only public beaches are monitored. Private beaches and waterfronts are not sampled. If you would like to test water quality at a private beach or waterfront, contact a laboratory on the Government of Ontario's List of Licensed Laboratories . Inspection Types Routine: Regularly scheduled water sampling and inspection. Follow-up: Conducted when earlier samples showed high bacteria levels. Complaint: Triggered when a complaint is reported about a public beach.
