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 |
---|---|---|---|
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24.1°C / 75.38°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 23, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Fort Erie | 24.2°C / 75.56°F |
July 23, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Fort Erie | July 23, 2024 | |
![]() Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 22.4°C / 72.32°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 23.7°C / 74.66°F |
July 24, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Grimsby | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 24, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Lincoln | 22.5°C / 72.5°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Niagara-on-the-Lake | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Port Colborne | July 26, 2024 | |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 24°C / 75.2°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 24.4°C / 75.92°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 26.3°C / 79.34°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
Port Colborne | 23.9°C / 75.02°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Open for swimming |
St. Catharines | 23.6°C / 74.48°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
St. Catharines | 23.7°C / 74.66°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to ecoli |
Wainfleet | 22.5°C / 72.5°F |
July 26, 2024 |
![]() Unsafe to swim due to algae |
Wainfleet | July 26, 2024 | |
![]() 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.