Each year during the warmer months (June – September), Public Health Inspectors perform a weekly beach safety assessment and water quality assessment at eight local public beaches. Water samples are tested for E. coli bacterial counts. For E. coli results, call our Beach Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1490
The Health Unit conducts beach water quality monitoring at eight public beaches at least once each week from May to September to make sure that the bacterial (E.coli) counts in the water are below provincial standards.
Download this monthly record sheet for Pools and Spas.
Download this daily record sheet for Spas.
Download this daily record sheet for Pools.
The Environmental Health Department inspects public recreational water facilities such as pools, spas, spray/splash pads, and waterslides for compliance to Ontario Regulation 565: Public Pools.
The following fact sheet provides detailed instructions for operators of public recreational water facilities when there has been a pool fouling.
The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit reminds its residents that if you are drinking water from a private well on your property, you can test your well water for free!
Year-round well water testing is free of charge for private residential use. Water is tested for total coliform and E. coli bacteria.
Lead is a toxic metal that is found naturally in the air, soil, and water. It is also used in mining, manufacturing, and burning of fossil fuels. The amount of lead Canadians are exposed to has decreased since the 1970s, mainly due to the removal of lead in gasoline, paint, and solder in food cans (Government of Canada, 2013).
Cholera is an intestinal infection caused by bacteria. The bacteria can be found in water or food that has been contaminated with stool (poop) from a person who is infected with cholera. In Ontario, an average of one case per year is reported and all cases have been exposed to cholera in another country while travelling. Places in the world with poor sanitation, poor water treatment and inadequate hygiene are more likely to have cholera.