Beach Water Testing in Niagara

Check Before Swimming

We test the water of beaches in Niagara every year from May to August.

Factors that affect water conditions

Beach Water Testing Results

Beach Municipality Water Temperature Updated
Open Bay Beach (Crystal)
Open for swimming 		Fort Erie Has not been sampled yet
Open Bernard Avenue Beach
Open for swimming 		Fort Erie Has not been sampled yet
Open Crescent Beach
Open for swimming 		Fort Erie Has not been sampled yet
Open Waverly Beach
Open for swimming 		Fort Erie Has not been sampled yet
Open Casablanca Beach
Open for swimming 		Grimsby Has not been sampled yet
Open Fifty Point Conservation Beach
Open for swimming 		Grimsby Has not been sampled yet
Open Nelles Beach
Open for swimming 		Grimsby Has not been sampled yet
Open Charles Daley Park
Open for swimming 		Lincoln Has not been sampled yet
Open Queen's Royal Beach
Open for swimming 		Niagara-on-the-Lake Has not been sampled yet
Open Centennial Cedar Bay Beach
Open for swimming 		Port Colborne Has not been sampled yet
Open Nickel Beach
Open for swimming 		Port Colborne Has not been sampled yet
Open Sherkston Elco
Open for swimming 		Port Colborne Has not been sampled yet
Open Sherkston Quarry Beach
Open for swimming 		Port Colborne Has not been sampled yet
Open Sherkston Wyldewood Beach
Open for swimming 		Port Colborne Has not been sampled yet
Open Lakeside Beach
Open for swimming 		St. Catharines Has not been sampled yet
Open Sunset Beach
Open for swimming 		St. Catharines Has not been sampled yet
Open Long Beach
Open for swimming 		Wainfleet Has not been sampled yet
Open Reebs Bay
Open for swimming 		Wainfleet Has not been sampled yet
Open Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach
Open for swimming 		Wainfleet Has not been sampled yet

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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