Beach water quality monitoring begins for 2023

Point Edward, ON - Lambton Public Health began the 2023 beach water quality monitoring program on Monday, May 29 at public beaches scheduled for monitoring across Lambton County.

Predictive beach-water sampling and water sample analysis are used to determine if beaches are safe to access. A beach’s status will be indicated in one of two ways:

• Posted - warning sign displayed. Unsafe for swimming as high levels of bacteria in the waters may pose a risk to your health.
• Not posted - caution sign displayed. No water quality issues but continue to monitor for changes. Cloudy water caused by high wave activity and heavy rainfall may contain high levels of bacteria.

Predictive beach model monitoring will be used at five of Lambton's public beaches and monitored daily (Monday – Friday), while water sampling and testing will be conducted weekly at two additional locations. Monitoring continues until September 1, 2023.

"We’re lucky to have some amazing beaches in Lambton County and this monitoring program helps residents enjoy them knowing they are getting an accurate representation of water quality in a timely manner," said Lori Lucas, Health Protection Supervisor with Lambton Public Health.

Lambton County beachgoers will be able to access water quality status reports in three different ways:

• Text the word Beach to 226-909-3003
• Call the Beach InfoLine 519-383-3816, toll-free 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3816
• Visit our website at LambtonPublicHealth.ca

Beaches monitored daily (Monday-Friday) using predictive models include:

• Bright's Grove (including Mike Weir Park)
• Canatara Park
• Grand Bend (North Beach)
• Grand Bend (South Beach)
• Ipperwash Main Beach

Beaches monitored weekly (water sampling with lab analysis) include:

• C.J. McEwen Beach
• Pinery Provincial Park

No sampling occurs along the St. Clair River; however, a caution sign, advising of high bacteria levels following heavy rainfall, has been permanently placed at:

• Brander Park
• Branton Cundick Park
• Seager Park

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Please contact:

LPH Media Inquiries

Related resources:

Inspection reports for beach water quality
https://reports.lambtonpublichealth.ca/BeachWaterQuality/Map

Beach water quality monitoring program in Lambton
https://lambtonpublichealth.ca/public-reports/disclaimer/#beaches