Beach Water Testing in Niagara
Check Before Swimming
We test the water of beaches in Niagara every year from May to August.
Beach Water Testing Results
Beach | Municipality | Water Temperature | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 15.6°C / 60.08°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 10.2°C / 50.36°F |
May 26, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 14.5°C / 58.1°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 14°C / 57.2°F |
May 31, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 15.5°C / 59.9°F |
May 31, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 16.4°C / 61.52°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to safety |
Grimsby | May 31, 2023 | |
![]() Open for swimming |
Lincoln | 16.3°C / 61.34°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 14.8°C / 58.64°F |
May 31, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 17.2°C / 62.96°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 16.8°C / 62.24°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 21.2°C / 70.16°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 16.6°C / 61.88°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
St. Catharines | 14.5°C / 58.1°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
St. Catharines | 15.1°C / 59.18°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Wainfleet | 15.6°C / 60.08°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Wainfleet | 17.8°C / 64.04°F |
June 1, 2023 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Wainfleet | 15.4°C / 59.72°F |
June 1, 2023 |
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.