General News

Health Unit will resume beach water testing in June

May 7, 2026   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

Enjoying a sunny day at the beach is a popular local pastime in the region, with many sand-covered lakeside parks available to choose from.

However, there are inherent risks involved when swimming in local lakes.

Several conditions affect water quality and may pose a health risk to anyone entering the water when bacteria levels are elevated.

Heavy rain can wash contaminants into the water, and strong winds can stir up sand and silt, making the water cloudy.

If you can’t see your feet in waist-deep water, bacteria levels may be high.

Feces from wildlife can increase bacteria levels, especially near the shoreline.

Warm shallow water and wet sand can promote bacterial growth.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit does water testing at public beaches once a week during the summer months. Sampling may be reduced to monthly if the beach consistently had good water quality the previous summer.

It should be noted that only public beaches are monitored.

Before heading out to the beach this summer, it is recommended that you check to make sure the beach has no advisories.

If there is no swimming advisory, it means bacteria levels are below 200 E. coli per 100 mL.

If there is a swimming advisory posted at a public beach, it means bacteria levels are above 200 E. coli per 100ml, and there is a risk of minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections and stomach illness.

Should you choose to swim at a beach with a swimming advisory, you should avoid dunking your head or swallowing water.

On rare occasions, a beach may be closed to swimming. This happens when there is a significant health or safety risk.

If a beach is closed, you may not swim there at all. This is usually due to a serious risk, such as a sewage or chemical spill.

The Health Unit will resume testing water at local beaches in June and will post advisories when required.

Readers Comments (0)