Beach Water Testing in Niagara

Check Before Swimming

We test beach water in Niagara every year from mid May to the end of August. Sampling has concluded for the 2023 season.

Factors that affect water conditions

Beach Water Testing Results

Beach
Bay Beach (Crystal)
Fort Erie
Bernard Avenue Beach
Fort Erie
Crescent Beach
Fort Erie
Waverly Beach
Fort Erie
Casablanca Beach
Grimsby
Fifty Point Conservation Beach
Grimsby
Nelles Beach
Grimsby
Charles Daley Park
Lincoln
Queen's Royal Beach
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Centennial Cedar Bay Beach
Port Colborne
Nickel Beach
Port Colborne
Sherkston Elco
Port Colborne
Sherkston Quarry Beach
Port Colborne
Sherkston Wyldewood Beach
Port Colborne
Lakeside Beach
St. Catharines
Sunset Beach
St. Catharines
Long Beach
Wainfleet
Reebs Bay
Wainfleet
Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach
Wainfleet

Beach Monitoring Program

Niagara Region Public Health's beach monitoring program operates annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day. The goal of is to reduce the risk of illness and injury associated with attending the beach.

The program consists of onsite beach assessments that include bacteriological water testing, as well as monitor factors that impact water quality such as air temperature, water temperature, water cloudiness, wind speed and wave height.

Beaches that we Monitor

Niagara Region monitors beaches and water front areas annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day. These locations are designated by local municipalities and have many services provided, such as parking, washrooms, garbage removal and routine beach maintenance.

Each beach is sampled between one to six time per week, based on annual assessments and public usage.

A public beach that we sample must include:

  • Any public bathing area owned or operated by a municipality
  • The general public has access
  • Recreational use of the water (such as beach signage, sectioned off swimming area, water safety/rescue equipment, lifeguard chairs)

Factors that Affect Water Conditions

Entering water with high bacteria levels can cause eye, ear, nose, throat and skin infections as well as stomach problems if the water is swallowed.

The following conditions can cause bacteria levels to rise:

  • Large number of swimmers
  • Wind and high waves
  • Large number of birds
  • Heavy rainfall in the last 24 to 48 hours
  • Cloudy water (where you cannot see your feet in waist depth water)

Posting / Closing Beaches

Beaches are monitored for bacteria levels (E. Coli), algae growth and safety concerns (such as debris, spills). When safety concerns show high levels of bacteria, the beach is posted as unsafe for swimming.

Regardless of the beach posting status, it is recommended that you monitor weather and water quality factors before swimming.

Testing Procedures

We sample public beaches in accordance with the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-term Care beach water sampling standards.

If you are interested in testing a water front area or beach that is not sampled by us, contact your local municipality.

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