Beach Water Testing in Niagara

Beach Water Testing Results

Show beaches in... Fort Erie Grimsby Lincoln Niagara-on-the-Lake Port Colborne St. Catharines Wainfleet

Beach	Municipality	Water Temperature	Updated
Bay Beach (Crystal) Open for swimming	Fort Erie	22.5°C   /  72.5°F	July 6
Bernard Avenue Beach Open for swimming	Fort Erie	21°C   /  69.8°F	July 2
Crescent Beach Open for swimming	Fort Erie	20.8°C   /  69.44°F	June 30
Waverly Beach Unsafe to swim due to algae	Fort Erie		June 30
Casablanca Beach Open for swimming	Grimsby	17.2°C   /  62.96°F	July 6
Fifty Point Conservation Beach Open for swimming	Grimsby	17°C   /  62.6°F	July 5
Nelles Beach Unsafe to swim due to safety	Grimsby		July 6
Charles Daley Park Open for swimming	Lincoln	19.5°C   /  67.1°F	July 5
Queen's Royal Beach Open for swimming	Niagara-on-the-Lake	21.9°C   /  71.42°F	July 5
Centennial Cedar Bay Beach Open for swimming	Port Colborne	23°C   /  73.4°F	July 6
Nickel Beach Open for swimming	Port Colborne	21.9°C   /  71.42°F	July 5
Sherkston Elco Open for swimming	Port Colborne	23.3°C   /  73.94°F	July 6
Sherkston Quarry Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli	Port Colborne	24.8°C   /  76.64°F	July 6
Sherkston Wyldewood Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli	Port Colborne	22.3°C   /  72.14°F	July 6
Lakeside Beach Open for swimming	St. Catharines	19.3°C   /  66.74°F	July 6
Sunset Beach Open for swimming	St. Catharines	20.7°C   /  69.26°F	July 6
Long Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli	Wainfleet	22.1°C   /  71.78°F	July 6
Reebs Bay Unsafe to swim due to algae	Wainfleet		July 6
Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach Unsafe to swim due to ecoli	Wainfleet	22°C   /  71.6°F	July 6

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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