Access to safe water is essential to our health. This includes water for:
- drinking;
- water at our beaches; and
- recreational water facilities, like pools, spas/whirlpools, and splash pads.
The health unit works with its partners to ensure that water is safe, and to prevent water-related illness and injury.
We:
- Survey and inspect drinking water systems, beaches, and recreational water facilities.
- Detect, identify, and respond to drinking water contaminants and illnesses, their associated risk factors, emerging trends, and emergencies.
- Educate and train owners/operators of small drinking water systems, recreational water facilities, and the general public.
- Reduce the risk of water-related illness and injuries in a variety of settings.
What Matters to Your Health
Private Well Water
If you have a private well, you should test your water often. You can have your water tested for free by Ontario’s Public Health Laboratory. Water sampling kits can be picked up and dropped off at the following locations. Our public health inspectors can help you interpret the test results and provide advice on how to fix any issues you may have.
Public Beaches
Throughout the summer, water samples are collected from designated public beaches in Simcoe and Muskoka. Beaches are "posted" when there’s too much bacteria in the water and there may be an increased risk of infection. Weather and other environmental factors affect a beach’s water quality. We don’t recommend you swim if It has rained heavily in the last two days prior to swimming or if you cannot see your feet when standing in water up to your knees. All these can be an indicator of high levels of bacteria in the water, which can be a risk to your health.
Recreational Water Facilities (pools, whirlpools/spas, splash pads)
Public health inspectors monitor pools, spas, and wading pools regularly to ensure they’re safe for you and your family. Inspectors ensure that they meet specific guidelines and regulations regarding water treatment and safety.
External Links
