This Version Posted: September 29, 2021

We test area beaches to ensure they are safe for swimming. Beach water quality monitoring begins in June and continues until the end of August.

Before heading to the beach, ensure it’s safe for swimming.

Each summer from June to August, the Health Unit does regular testing of beaches in Northumberland County, Haliburton County and the City of Kawartha Lakes to ensure they are safe for swimming. Test results are then shared on this website and via the Health Unit’s Facebook and Twitter pages.

The Health Unit uses a three-colour system to show test results for local beaches:

  • Green – Open (safe for swimming) – Low Risk
  • Yellow – Advisory Posting – Medium Risk – (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).
  • Red – Closed (do not swim; not open for public use) – High Risk

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