Check before You Splash

With summer upon us, York Region has kicked off our 2026 Beach Water Testing Program which runs until the end of August. During this time, York Region will monitor water quality at 13 public beaches in York Region to ensure the water is safe for swimming.

To monitor bacteria in the water, a minimum of five samples is collected, usually twice a week, from each beach and tested for E. coli levels. Beaches are also monitored for visible signs of algae blooms, and other physical hazards.

To avoid illness, residents are advised to avoid swimming in beach water when levels of E. coli bacteria could be high (such as after a heavy rainfall) or when there is evidence of an algal bloom.

Check Before you Splash!

Residents are encouraged to check water quality results before entering the water to make an informed decision. There are two ways to do this: check the signs posted at the beach or check online before you go at york.ca/Beaches.

For more information about our Beach Water Testing Program visit york.ca/Beaches.