Public Beach Water Advisories

Current Beach Water Advisories

Current Beach Water Advisories

Beach monitoring has ended. It will resume the week of May 24, 2027.

For Voyageur Provincial Park beach water advisories, please consult Voyageur Alerts and Advisories.

About public beach water testing

The Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) samples the swimming water at all local public beaches throughout the operating season to ensure it does not exceed the established bacteria levels. If bacteria levels exceed the safe swimming limit, a sign is posted advising people that the water is unsafe for swimming. Beaches are re-opened after bacteria levels return to acceptable levels.

Safe for Swimming: Bacteria level in the water poses no health risk.

Safe for Swimming – With Caution: Beach remains open and swimming is permitted, but proceed with caution as cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) levels are reaching the point where they could pose a health risk.

Unsafe for Swimming: High levels of bacteria in these waters may pose serious health risks.

Closed: Beach closed. No Swimming.

Not Monitored: The beach is not monitored by the EOHU at this time.

The EOHU is not mandated to test the water quality of private beaches. Private beach operators are responsible for monitoring the bacteria levels of their water.

What precautions should I take when a beach has a Safe for Swimming – With Caution status?

These are situations where swimming is permitted, but specific health precautions are recommended:

  • Avoid ingesting water: Do not swallow water while swimming, wading, or playing.
  • Avoid visible algae: Stay out of the water if you see green streaks, surface scum, or discoloured patches along the shoreline.
  • Keep pets out of the water: Dogs are particularly sensitive to cyanotoxins. Do not allow pets to swim in or drink the water and prevent them from licking wet fur after visiting the beach.
  • Rinse off after swimming: Shower or rinse thoroughly with fresh tap water after leaving the water.
  • Rinse toys and equipment: Wash lifejackets, water toys, and other equipment with clean tap water after use.

Why is a public beach posted?

An elevated bacteria density in the water is the major cause of postings. The most common bacteria is E. coli, which may indicate the presence of fecal coliforms (FC), an organism that exists in the feces of virtually all warm-blooded animals. In Ontario, the recreational water quality guideline is a maximum of 200 E. coli per 100 mL of water.

Occasionally, a public beach may also be posted if the inspector notices floating debris, oils, scum, excessive algae growth, bad odours and turbidity.

A public beach that has been posted because of high contamination levels will be subjected to more frequent water sampling.

What causes contamination?

Very little movement or flow in a body of water may create the right conditions for contamination. However, this water degradation is preventable.

Three main elements contaminate the water sources in this region:

  • Erosion or malfunction of structures meant to hold agricultural and domestic fecal contaminants, causing runoff that allows bacteria to enter streams and drainage ditches.
  • Contamination due to large populations of waterfowl and other wildlife that colonize a beach, domestic animals left to defecate, and livestock that have free access to streams or rivers.
  • Storm water runoff that washes fecal material from all different sources into rivers and lakes, contributing to water pollution. Beach postings often occur after a rainstorm.

What can you do to help prevent contamination?

Several things can be done to help prevent contamination of beach water:

  • Pet owners must adhere to the “stoop and scoop” by-laws and remove dog feces immediately.
  • Detach eaves troughs from sewers so they can discharge onto lawns and other permeable surfaces.
  • Reduce household water use to avoid overflow problems in sewage treatment plants.
  • Fence livestock away from streams and provide them with alternate water sources.
  • Ensure that runoff from feedlots and manure piles is properly contained.
  • Upgrade septic systems and keep them in good working order.