Beach Water Testing in Niagara
Reducing risk of illness and injury
Our beach monitoring program runs annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day and includes testing for bacteria, air and water temperature, water cloudiness, wind speed and wave height.
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. Bacteria levels can rise due to a large number of swimmers or birds, wind and high waves, heavy rainfall in the last 24 to 48 hours, and cloudy water (where you cannot see your feet in waist depth water).
Beach water testing results
| Beach | Municipality | Water Temperature | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
Bay Beach (Crystal)
Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24.1°C / 75.38°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Bernard Avenue Beach
Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 23, 2024 |
|
Crescent Beach
Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24.2°C / 75.56°F |
July 23, 2024 |
Waverly Beach
Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Fort Erie | July 23, 2024 | |
|
Casablanca Beach
Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 22.4°C / 72.32°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Fifty Point Conservation Beach
Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 23.7°C / 74.66°F |
July 24, 2024 |
|
Nelles Beach
Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 24, 2024 |
|
Charles Daley Park
Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Lincoln | 22.5°C / 72.5°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Queen's Royal Beach
Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Niagara-on-the-Lake | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Centennial Cedar Bay Beach
Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Port Colborne | July 26, 2024 | |
|
Nickel Beach
Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Sherkston Elco
Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 24.4°C / 75.92°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Sherkston Quarry Beach
Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 26.3°C / 79.34°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Sherkston Wyldewood Beach
Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 23.9°C / 75.02°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Lakeside Beach
Open for swimming |
St. Catharines | 23.6°C / 74.48°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Sunset Beach
Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
St. Catharines | 23.7°C / 74.66°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Long Beach
Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Wainfleet | 22.5°C / 72.5°F |
July 26, 2024 |
|
Reebs Bay
Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Wainfleet | July 26, 2024 | |
|
Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach
Open for swimming |
Wainfleet | 23.8°C / 74.84°F |
July 26, 2024 |
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
Each beach is sampled between one to two times per week. It's based on annual assessments and public usage, and according to 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 city / town.
© Niagara Region - 1815 Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON, L2V 4T7 - Phone: 905-980-6000, Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215
