Beach Water Quality
There are a lot of health and wellness benefits to visiting one of the many beautiful beaches located within Chatham-Kent. However, there is a risk of injury or illness resulting from recreational use if the water contains high levels of E. Coli bacteria. Water quality can change from day to day or even hour to hour depending on the weather and other conditions.
Beach goers are encouraged to make an informed decision about beach quality in real time before you go swimming. YOU are the best judge of whether the water is safe.
Should I Go Swimming at the Beach?
So how should you know if it’s safe to go swimming at the beach? We recommend answering these four questions before you head out for your next beach adventure.
Has there been a heavy rainfall in the last 24-48 hours?
If yes, do NOT swim
Have conditions been really windy and wavy in the last 24-48 hours?
If yes, do NOT swim
Are there any other problems with the beach such as a large number of waterfowl, dead fish, algea/scum, or dangerous debris?
If yes, do NOT swim
Is the water so cloudy that you cannot see your feet at adult waist depth?
If yes, do NOT swim
If you answered YES to any of the above questions, you should NOT swim. The water may have high levels of bacteria that could increase the risk of skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections or gastrointestinal illness. Avoid swallowing beach water not matter how clear it is!
Remember you should never swim during a thunderstorm or when there are high winds and waves. For more beach safety tips, go to the Canadian Red Cross
Beach Water Testing
Every summer between June and September, we collect water samples from public beaches within Chatham-Kent. We test the water for the presence of E. Coli bacteria. The presence of high levels of E. Coli in beach water is a sign that the water may contain other harmful germs as well.
Beach Water E. Coli Testing Results
| Beach Name | Water Quality | Sample Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Clearville Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Clearville Beach | High levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Clearville Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
| Erieau Public Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Erieau Public Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Erieau Public Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
| Getty's Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Getty's Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Getty's Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
| Howard Township Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Howard Township Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Howard Township Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
| Mitchell's Bay Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Mitchell's Bay Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Mitchell's Bay Beach | High levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
| Pier Road Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Pier Road Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Pier Road Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
| Bates Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | August 14, 2024 |
| Bates Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | July 17, 2024 |
| Bates Beach | Low levels of bacteria measured | June 17, 2024 |
Beach Signs
CK Public Health permanently posts advisory signs at all public beaches in CK warning that high levels of bacteria are often found in beach water and to use caution when swimming.
CK Public Health will post beach closure signs when significant risk to health and safety has been identified.
When is a Beach Closed?
Beach closures are rare. Reasons a beach may be closed include:
- Chemical, oil, sewage or other waste spill
- Blue-green algae bloom (click here for more information)
- Fish or other wildlife die-off
- Safety hazards, such as sharp objects
Report a Concern
If you think you have gotten sick because of beach water, see your health care provider.
You can always report concerns about beach water safety to CK Public Health. A Public Health Inspector will follow-up with you.