Beach Water Quality Overview

This page was reviewed or revised on Thursday, July 03, 2008.

Beach Sampling Updates

Overview

During the summer, Lambton County beaches provide tourists and local residents with a relaxing environment to swim and play recreational sports. To ensure that the water at public beaches is safe for swimming, the Community Health Services Department conducts a beach water quality program.  

The Medical Officer of Health determines which beach areas are to be routinely monitored and tested during the summer. According to the Ontario public health guidelines, a public beach is defined as “a beach area, owned and operated by a municipality, which has a supervised aquatics program or is staffed by a lifeguard”. Additionally, the Medical Officer of Health may decide to monitor other beach areas when there is reason to believe that recreational water use may result in a waterborne illness.  

The following beaches are monitored and tested weekly by the Community Health Services Department:   

• Grand Bend (North and South Beaches)

• Canatara Park

• Highland Glen

• Bright's Grove (Including Mike Weir Park)

• Ipperwash Main Beach

• Pinery Provincial Park

Each week, from late May to early September, water at these beaches are tested and monitored for high levels of bacteria, excessive algae growth, or other contaminants that could cause negative health effects associated with swimming. Contamination of recreational water can cause a number of illnesses, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin ailments, and infections of the eye, ear, nose or throat.

Why beaches are posted

Ontario beaches are posted with warnings of possible health risks when elevated E. coli levels are detected. E. coli bacteria are found in the intestines and feces of all warm-blooded animals, and most strains are harmless. The water is tested for E. coli because it is an ‘indicator organism,’ meaning that it indicates the presence of other harmful bacteria that may affect our health. Studies have shown that where there are high levels of E. coli in the water, there is a greater occurrence of swimming-associated illnesses.  

Warnings are posted when the levels of E. coli exceed the provincial guidelines (100 E. coli per 100 ml of water), with the Medical Officer of Health making the final decision. Once a beach has been posted for elevated E. coli levels, more frequent water samples are taken. Beach postings are removed after E. coli levels decrease to acceptable levels.

Beach information signs

To assist the public in determining if it is safe to swim, all beaches monitored by the Community Health Services Department are equipped with information signs.

The Yellow and Black “CAUTION” sign is an information sign only. It DOES NOT INDICATE THE BEACH IS POSTED. It is intended to caution the public that while the beach may not be posted as unsafe for swimming, conditions can change day-by-day and even hour-by-hour depending on factors, such as wind, rainfall, and wildlife. Historical water quality data has shown that cloudy beach water caused by heavy rainfall or high wave activity may be contaminated with high levels of bacteria for up to 2 days following such conditions. 

These signs give the swimmer the opportunity to assess the present conditions and make an informed decision on his or her use of the beach. If the water is cloudy and a swimmer cannot see his/her feet at waist depth of an adult, the location is not recommended for swimming for at least 2 days. This sign will be posted at beach locations at the beginning of the swimming season in early June and remain until late August.

The Red and Black “WARNING” sign notifies swimmers that the water is UNSAFE for swimming due to high levels of E.coli bacteria that may pose a risk to human health.

These signs will be removed and replaced with the above “Caution” sign when beach sample results indicate that the bacteria have returned to acceptable levels.

When to avoid swimming

Since the water quality at Lake Huron beaches can change day to day, and sometimes even hour to hour following a heavy rainfall or high wave activity, the Community Health Services Department encourages the public to read the signs posted at area beaches before going into the water and to avoid swimming if:

1. The beach is posted with the Red and Black “WARNING” sign  
   OR
2. The water is cloudy and you cannot see your feet when standing at waist depth of an adult.

Starting in early June, you can check your local newspaper or listen to the radio for updates on the water quality of Lambton County beaches. Before you hit the beach you can also call the Beach Water Quality Info line at 519 383-3816, toll free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3816 or visit this website www.lambtonhealth.on.ca/beaches/index.asp for recent updates.

Location of Beach Signs

Click on beach links below to download a map showing beach sign locations.