Beach Water Testing

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Beach sampling for the 2021 season has ended.

Re-sampling of public beaches by the WECHU for the 2022 season will begin again in April 2022, weather permitting.

View archived sampling data by beach

Learn more about beach water quality monitoring and beach safety, or blue-green algae.

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How we monitor

The Health Unit conducts beach water quality monitoring at nine public beaches at least once each week from June to September to make sure that the bacterial (E.coli) counts in the water are below provincial standards.

Beach sampling will take place every *Monday. If the beach is closed due to high E. coli levels, the beach will be resampled on Thursday of the same week. Beach water quality results from *Monday’s sampling are updated every *Wednesday during the summer. If the beach was resampled, results will be available by end of day Friday. You can check for results on the map or by calling our Beach Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1490.

Please note: The bacterial counts listed reflect the conditions at the time of sampling. Water quality can change from day to day depending on the weather conditions and lake levels. Although the beach might be open, we recommend not swimming if there was a recent heavy rainfall (at least 48 hours), if the water is cloudy, or if you are unable to see your feet when in the water.

For further information, call us at 519-258-2146 ext. 4475 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday to speak with a Public Health Inspector.

Learn more about beach water quality monitoring and beach safety, or blue-green algae.