Beach Water Testing in Niagara
Summer Beach Testing
Beach results are posted between Victoria Day and Labour Day each year.
Beach Water Testing
Every year between May (Victoria Day) and September (Labour Day), we test over 25 public beaches for levels of E. Coli bacteria. When unsafe levels are present the beaches may be posted as unsafe or closed. Bacteria levels can rise due to:
- Large number of swimmers
- Wind and high waves
- Large number of birds
- Recent heavy rainfall
- Cloudy water
Beaches might also be unsafe due to floating debris, oil, excessive weed growth, bad odours and general turbidity.
Swimming in these waters could cause infections of the ear, eye, nose, throat and skin as well as cause diarrhea if that water is injested.