Beach water sampling and monitoring has ended for the 2025 season and will resume in June 2026.

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.
• Sampling may be reduced to monthly if the beach consistently had good water quality the previous summer.

What is a Public Beach?

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

Private Beach Sampling

• Only designated public beaches are monitored.
• For private waterfronts or beaches, contact a laboratory on the Government of Ontario's List of Licensed Laboratories to test water quality.

Conditions that Affect Water Quality

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

 LEGEND:

No Swimming Advisory

• Bacteria levels are below 200 E. coli per 100mL (recreational water guideline).
• Results are usually received 24 hours after sampling.
• Water quality can change hourly due to environmental conditions.
• Be aware of conditions and make an informed decision before swimming.

Swimming Advisory is Posted

• Bacteria levels are above 200 E. coli per 100mL.
• Risk of minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections and stomach illness.
• Avoid dunking your head or swallowing water if you choose to swim during an advisory.
• Advisories are lifted once bacteria levels return below the guideline.
• See list of current swimming advisories.

 Beach is Closed

• A beach is closed when a significant health or safety risk is identified (e.g., sewage or chemical spill).
• Closures are rare.

*Provincial Park beach water quality data (e.g., Wasaga Beach) is available at Ontario Parks.

Testing results by area:

Inspection Types

• Routine: Regularly scheduled water sample collection and inspection.
• Follow-up: Conducted when previous samples showed high bacteria levels.
• Complaint: Triggered when a complaint is received about a public beach.

External Links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Swimmer's Itch
  Information on causes, symptoms, and prevention of swimmer's itch.
• Health Canada Recreational Water and Health: Overview
  National guidance on recreational water safety and health risks.