Beach Water Quality

Beach Water Quality Testing

Public Health services monitors beaches in accordance with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care’s Operational Approaches for Recreational Water Guideline 2018 and the Recreational Water Protocol 2018 under the Ontario Public Health Standards. Water samples beach samples are collected and tested for E. coli bacteria during the swimming season.

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.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit annually monitors the recreational water quality at public beaches each year for levels of E. coli bacteria and Blue-Green Algae (cyanobacteria) from the beginning of June until the end of August. If a beach is deemed unsafe to swim, it’s due to high counts of bacteria in the water. 

For more information on ways to stay safe at the beach, visit the Canadian Red Cross’s website. 

Current Status of Cobourg's Victoria Park Beach 

Current Status: Low Risk. Swimming allowed.
Geomean for E. coli is 22 c.f.u.

Current Status of Cobourg's West Harbour

Current Status: Medium risk. Swimming not recommended.

• Harbour at Shore = 610

• Harbour at 50 feet = 106

• Harbour at 100 feet = 120

View the Public Health Ontario Bacterialogical Analysis Report.

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 200 E. coli bacteria cells per 100 ml of water or 200 colony forming units (cfu) 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.

View the Current Status of Local Beaches

High Risk

High Risk - Red (Closed) Based on latest test results, there are very high counts of bacteria in the water. Do not swim - not open for public use. Level = 1000+ cfu

Medium Risk

Medium Risk - Yellow (Advisory Warning) Based on latest test results, there are high counts of bacteria in the water. Swimming is not recommended, as it may increase your risk of developing minor skin, eye, ear, nose or throat infections or stomach illness. If you choose to swim during this advisory, avoid dunking your head or swallowing the water. Level = 200-999 cfu

Low Risk

Low Risk - Green Based on latest test results, there are low counts of bacteria in the water. Swimming is allowed. Level = 0-199 cfu

Additional Information

Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit
1-866-888-4577, ext. 5006
www.hkpr.on.ca