Beach Water Quality in Hamilton
Hamilton Public Health Services monitors the recreational water quality at public beaches each year for levels of E. coli bacteria and Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria). These beaches are monitored from the Victoria Day long weekend in May to the Labour Day long weekend in September.
Beach water quality testing
We monitor beaches in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care's Beach Management Protocol, 2014 under the Ontario Public Health Standards. The protocol requires that we take water samples at the beaches listed above and test for E.coli at least once a week during the swimming season - Victoria Day to Labour Day.
Beach sampling results cannot be guaranteed accurate as conditions can change quickly depending on the weather. You should not swim at the beach during and after storms, floods or heavy rainfall. Cloudy water may indicate high levels of bacteria.
For more information on ways to stay safe at the beach, visit the Canadian Red Cross’s website.
To report safety hazards at the beach please call 905-546-2489.
Beach water quality test results
High numbers of E. coli in the water at public beaches indicates contamination with feces and the potential presence of other harmful microorganisms in the water. The provincial standard is 100 E. coli bacteria cells per 100 ml of water or 100 colony forming units per 100 ml.
E. coli concentrations at or above the standard could cause an increased risk of infection. Swimming in these waters could cause infections in ears, eyes, nose, throat and skin as well as cause diarrhea if the water is ingested.
Current beach water quality test results
Bayfront Park Beach
200 Harbour Front Drive, Hamilton
Closed for the 2017 swimming season due to a history of high levels of bacteria and/or their toxins. Do not enter the water.
Beach Boulevard
Beach Boulevard, Hamilton
Open
Tested: June 20, 2017
Water temperature: 14°C
Binbrook Conservation Area Beach
5050 Harrison Road, Binbrook
Open
Tested: June 20, 2017
Water temperature: 22°C
Christie Conservation Area Beach
1000 Highway 5 West, Dundas
Open
Tested: June 19, 2017
Water temperature: 22°C
Confederation Park Beach
680 Van Wagner's Beach Road, Hamilton
Open
Tested: June 20, 2017
Water temperature: 18°C
Pier 4 Park Beach
Bay Street North at Leander Drive, Hamilton
Closed temporarily due to high water levels
Valens Conservation Area Beach
1691 Regional Road 97, RR 6, Flamborough
Open
Tested: June 19, 2017
Water temperature: 22°C
Van Wagner's Beach
180 Van Wagner's Beach Road, Hamilton
Open
Tested: June 20, 2017
Water temperature: 16°C
When a beach is open
- you should swim with caution
- there are no warning signs posted at the beach
- levels of bacteria were within the acceptable range on the date tested
When a beach is unsafe to swim
- E. coli levels are above acceptable levels
- there is an increased risk of illness or infection due to poor water quality
- warning signs are posted at the beach
Beach monitoring reports
Hamilton Public Health Services (PHS) provide an annual update report regarding recreational water quality monitoring at Hamilton’s public beaches and the activities undertaken by stakeholders to improve the water quality at these beaches.
- 2016 Beach Monitoring Report for Hamilton (PDF, 129 KB)
- 2015 Beach Monitoring Report for Hamilton (PDF, 305 KB)
-
Board of Health Report to close Bayfront Beach (PDF, 284 KB)
- App A - Letter to PW for beach closure (PDF, 508 KB)
- App B - Letter from PW agreeing to beach closure (PDF, 495 KB)
- App C - PHS Beach Monitoring Report (PDF, 655 KB)
- App D - Bayfront Beach specific research (PDF, 6 MB)
Contact us
For more information, contact:
Phone the Safe Water Hotline: 905-546-2189
Email: publichealth@hamilton.ca
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