The following article can also be found in the July/August 2025 edition of Biz X magazine
Hot and sunny days are a call for you and family to enjoy the great beaches across Windsor-Essex County! Paying attention to the water quality can make sure you and your family stay healthy while splashing.
Throughout the summer months, staff from the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) conduct weekly water quality tests at eight local public beaches so you and your family can enjoy your time at the beach. Water samples are taken and tested for E. coli bacteria which can cause you to feel sick. The results of the tests will lead to the decision to keep the beaches open the week, or for signs to be posted at the beach advising swimmers to take extra care in the water. When the bacteria counts are very high, the beach may be closed for the week.
The WECHU has also launched a new program called “predictive modeling” at participating beaches. This program gives daily water quality results based on the most recent weather and other conditions at the beach. These water quality results will be available on the health unit’s website, and it’s recommended that anyone looking to spend time in the water should visit the site before leaving their home.
Swimming or playing in water with high bacteria levels may result in minor skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections, or symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Those most at risk are children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
To stay safe this summer, the WECHU is reminding beachgoers of the following safety tips:
- Check for the most recent beach results before going into the water.
- Read and obey the signs posted at the beach.
- Don’t go swimming if you can’t see your feet underwater when you’re standing in waist deep water.
- Don’t go swimming if the water is rough, cloudy, or green.
- Don’t swim for at least 48 hours after a heavy rainfall or wind.
- If you think you may have become ill from beach water, consult your healthcare provider.
The Health Unit will be collecting beach water samples every Wednesday until the end of August and sharing the test results with the community every Friday. The predictive modeling results will be posted on weekdays (except holidays). The results are available on wechu.org, as well as by calling the beach hotline at 519-258-2146, extension 1490.
Have a safe and enjoyable summer when visiting our local beaches!