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Monitoring the Water at Halton's Beaches

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Page Summary

Halton Region monitors public beaches to help ensure safe water quality for swimmers. Learn about testing procedures and how you can help keep our area beaches clean for everyone's enjoyment.

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Beach water monitoring results

During the summer months, the Halton Region Public Health monitors water quality at selected recreational beaches in Halton Region. This is done as part of the Region’s commitment to protect the safety, health and well-being of all Halton residents.

Beaches in Halton are selected for monitoring based on how often they are used for swimming and other water sports.

From June until September (Labour Day weekend), Halton public beaches are routinely sampled weekly or monthly (on Wednesdays). Due to the processing time of lab results, there is a delay in when the water is sampled and when results are received. Since water quality can change day-to-day, or even hour-to-hour depending on many factors, beach goers cannot rely only on lab results. Here are some factors beach goers need to take into consideration before swimming:

  • Rain – Rain has a significant impact on water quality. Rain washes contaminants into streams, rivers and lakes, increasing the bacterial levels. We do not recommend swimming for 24-48 hours after heavy rainfalls.
  • High winds – Winds can cause waves which stir up sand and silt, making the water cloudy. If the water appears cloudy (i.e. you can’t see your feet standing waist deep in the water), swimming is not recommended.
  • Waterfowl – The presence of seagulls, geese, ducks, and their droppings can have a significant impact on water quality, increasing the bacterial levels.
  • Shallow water – Warmer water temperatures in shallow water are more favourable for bacterial growth and may increase bacterial levels.
  • Heavy algae growth or accumulation
  • Visible debris, metal, or sharp objects in the water or beach area

Beach water quality at Halton’s beaches

Name of beach Date sampled Status Inspection type
Beachway Park
1094 Lakeshore Rd., Burlington (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Brant Street Beach
Lakeshore Rd. /Brant St., Burlington (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Bronte Beach Park
Lakeshore Rd. /Bronte Rd., Oakville (Google Map link)
Unsafe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Coronation Park East
1426 Lakeshore Rd. West, Oakville (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Coronation Park West
1426 Lakeshore Rd. West, Oakville (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Lakeside Park Beach
144 Front St., Oakville (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
South Shell Park Beach
3376 Lakeshore Rd. W., Oakville (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Prospect Park Old Beach *
30 Park Ave., Acton (Google Map link)
Safe to swim
 Weekly routine surveillance
Water quality results
for Kelso Beach and
Kelso Cove Waterpark (external link)

Legend

Safe to swim Safe to swim

Maybe unsafe to swim Maybe unsafe to swim

Unsafe to swim Unsafe to swim

Location closed Location closed

Beach location map

Understanding beach water monitoring results

When is a beach posted safe for swimming?
  • E. coli test results are within the Ministry guideline
  • Swimming in these waters is not likely to increase the risk of illness or infections
When is a beach posted may be unsafe for swimming?
  • E. coli testing occurs once a month and users should exercise caution before going in the water
  • Swimming in these waters may increase the risk of illness or infections
When is a beach posted unsafe for swimming?
  • E. coli test results exceed the Ministry guideline
  • Swimming in these waters may increase the risk of illness or infections

Notes about beach water quality results

  • Read the signs/notices posted at the beach before going in the water.
  • Water quality conditions reflect E. coli counts on the date of water sample collection.
  • Beach water quality can change day-to-day, even hour-to-hour, following a heavy rainfall, high winds or wave activity.
  • Avoid swimming if the water is cloudy (you cannot see your feet when standing at waist depth of an adult).

Beach water monitoring frequently asked questions

How are beaches selected for monitoring?

Frequency of use for swimming and other water activities determines which beaches get selected for monitoring.

Why are beaches monitored?

The Health Department monitors public beaches to protect swimmers from illnesses linked to unsafe water quality. Swimming in water with large amounts of algae or other debris can be a hazard. Swimming in water with high levels of bacteria can cause an increased risk of:

  • Infection in ears, eyes, nose and throat.
  • Gastrointestinal or stomach illnesses when water is swallowed.
  • Swimming in water with excess algae or other debris can be a hazard.

How are beaches sampled?

  • A minimum of five water samples per beach are collected once a week
  • Samples are analyzed for E. coli bacteria by the Provincial Public Health Laboratory. The results of the water samples indicate the quality of the beach water at the time the beach was sampled.
  • During sampling algae growth is monitored by visual observation of the water

When is a beach considered to be unsafe for swimming?

A beach is considered unsafe in situations that may include but are not limited to:

  • Average level of E. coli greater than the Ministry guideline of 200 E. coli/100mL of water, or a single sample of E. coli higher than the Ministry guideline of 400 E. coli/100mL of water;
  • Chemical, oil, sewage or other waste spill;
  • Waste water treatment plant bypass (unintentional or controlled);
  • Blue-green algae bloom (confirmed by visual observation or laboratory test);
  • Heavy algae growth or accumulation other than blue-green algae;
  • Fish or other wildlife die-off at the beach; or
  • Visible debris, metal, or sharp objects in the water or beach area

To alert bathers to the potential of a higher than normal risk of infection, a warning sign is posted by the Local Municipality advising the users that the water may be unsafe for swimming. Postings are removed once sample results indicate the levels of bacteria are within acceptable limits.

What are some factors that influence the beach water quality?

  • Seasonal and storm surface run-off into rivers and lakes
  • Pet waste run-off
  • Large populations of waterfowl (geese, seagulls, etc.)
  • Warm water temperatures
  • Malfunctioning private sewage disposal systems
  • Boating wastes
  • Agricultural manure run-off

How can I help keep Halton Beaches clean?

You can do your part to keep Halton beaches clean by:

  • not feeding animals or birds
  • observing local "stoop and scoop" by-laws and always pick up your pets waste
  • practicing pollution-free boating and disposing of human waste appropriately
  • keeping your private sewage disposal system in good working order

How can I find out if a beach is safe for swimming?

Check for weekly sampling results by visiting Halton's Beach Water Monitoring Results or call us directly at:

  • 311
  • 905-825-6000
  • TTY 905-827-9833
  • toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866)
Blue-green algae off a coast-line and dock.

Blue-green algae

Blue-green algae

What is blue-green algae?

In high amounts, these naturally occurring organisms present themselves as a green paint-like discolouration on the water surface. Visible surface blooms form in the late summer and early fall depending on temperatures and nutrient levels (phosphorous and nitrogen).

Blue-green algae blooms may contain toxins harmful to humans and animals. Keep in mind that even without surface blooms, toxins could still be present in the water.

Health effects of coming into contact with blue-green algae

Direct skin contact may cause skin irritation and itching. If swallowing occurs, watch for these symptoms:

  • headaches
  • fever
  • diarrhea
  • abdominal pain
  • nausea, and/or vomiting

If you feel unwell after encountering blue-green algae, contact your physician.

What to do if you see blue-green algae in the water
  • For your safety, assume it is toxic blue-green algae
  • Do not drink, swim or wade in the water
  • Do not allow your pets to use the water
  • Do not eat fish caught in the water
  • Call Halton Region Public Health by dialing 311
  • Call the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks' Spills Action Centre at 416-325-3000 or 1-800-268-6060
View the Province of Ontario’s
Blue-green algae webpage
for more information (external link)

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