Beach Conditions

Beaches & Swimming

For Water Quality Testing at Binbrook Conservation Area
please visit 
Hamilton Public Health. 


About Swimming in Natural Bodies of Water

Please be advised that there are always risks associated with swimming in natural bodies of water

Natural bodies of water are great places to play, swim and cool off on a hot sunny day.

However, swimming in these areas is not risk-free. There is always a level of risk when swimming in a natural water body, whether it's on the shores of Lake Erie, jumping off a dock at a cottage or going to an NPCA beach.

Natural water bodies, such as rivers and reservoirs, are exposed to contamination from various sources. The conditions and quality of the water can change quickly due to a number of environmental factors. These factors can influence the level of bacteria in the water to the point where it increases the risk of getting sick.

Environmental factors that can cause an increase in bacteria levels

  • Recent heavy rainfall (1 to 2 inches or 25 to 50 mm within 24 to 48 hours) has a significant impact on water quality. Run off from the rain washes bacteria from the shore, fields and streets into streams, rivers and lakes.
  • Cloudy water (unable to see feet in waist-deep water) means the sand and silt has been stirred up. This can increase the levels of bacteria in the water.
  • High wind can cause waves, and wave action can stir up the sand and silt, which can increase the levels of bacteria in the water.
  • Large numbers of birds or other wildlife and their droppings can have a significant impact on water quality. Dead fish, algae/scum, or debris in the water can also increase the risk of illness or injury.

How you can prevent illness when swimming in a natural water body

  • Never swallow the beach water, at any time, no matter how clear!
  • After swimming or playing in the water or sand, wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly before eating, especially children, if you have been swimming or playing in the water or sand
  • Bacteria levels tend to be higher in the warm wet sand on the shore

Help keep our beaches clean

There are several ways you can help keep our beaches clean and improve water quality conditions in our swimming areas. These include:

  • Don't feed wildlife or birds.
  • Don't use soaps, shampoos, or other bathing products in the water.
  • Use appropriate washroom facilities.
  • Place all garbage in designated bins, or take it with you.

Rainfall Data

Rainfall can cause fecal material from wildlife or pets to runoff into streams and reservoirs. It can also stir up the water creating cloudy conditions. When there is a significant rainfall (1 to 2 inches or 25 to 50 mm within 24 to 48 hours), it is advised to refrain from swimming for 24 to 48 hours, until clear conditions occur again.

Our website contains information about precipitation at beaches within the watershed, and we also publish Cumulative Precipitation Rates across the Niagara Peninsula Watershed. You can also access culumative precipitation rates for the following locations:

Water Quality Monitoring

The Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority conducts water quality sampling for bacterial (E.coli) counts once every two weeks beginning one week prior to Victoria Day through the week after Labour Day at three (3) conservation area beaches in three (3) NPCA Conservation Areas throughout the watershed.

While this data is not useful in identifying public health risk when swimming in natural water bodies, it is used to determine long term trends in the water quality at our swimming areas over time. The table below will be updated bi-weekly, showing the most recent sampling data available.

IMPORTANT WATER SAFETY REMINDERS:

The NPCA reminds all conservation area visitors that there are risks associated with activities in and near to water including swimming, boating and paddlesports, and fishing among others. Please use caution and enjoy conservation areas responsibly.

Swimming Safety Tips

  • Stay within arms' reach of children and non-swimmers
  • Parents/guardians must provide supervision of children at all times while swimming
  • Supervision of non-swimmers is important
  • Always swim with a partner, do not enter the water alone or without telling someone where you are going
  • Alcohol is not permitted in day-use conservation areas - Alcohol and water activities don't mix
  • Don't drink and swim. Don't drink and operate a boat or other watercraft
  • Always wear a lifejacket when you are in a boat or other watercraft
  • Swimming lessons are recommended
  • Swim in lifeguarded or supervised areas

Boating and Paddlesport Safety Tips

  • Wear a lifejacket at all times
  • Lifejackets are not one size fits all - check for proper fit before heading out on the water
  • Familiarize yourself with the body of water you are exploring before heading out, carry a map
  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to be back
  • Alcohol is not permitted in day-use conservation areas - Alcohol and water activities don't mix
  • Do not drink and operate your boat or watercraft
  • Carry a safety kit at all times, including a cell phone
  • Always check the weather, wave and wind conditions before heading out

For more information on how to stay safe in the water, please visit: https://www.lifesavingsociety.com/

Park

Date Water Sample Collected

E-Coli Counts

August 21, 2023
10 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 15, 2023
0 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 8, 2023
22.7 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
July 31, 2023
13.2 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
July 24, 2023
10 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 21, 2023
68.5 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 15, 2023
11 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 8, 2023
Ridge - 118.9 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 8, 2023
Ramp - 384.1 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
July 31, 2023
50.9 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 28, 2023
0 E.coli (cfu/100mL)
August 28, 2023
10 E.coli (cfu/100mL)

Beach Closures

A beach closure (rarely issued) prohibits swimming due to a chemical or sewage spill, or the presence of Blue-green Algae.

Local Public Health Unit Contact Information

For health-related questions, please contact:

Chippawa Creek

Always use caution when swimming in natural waters
10 E.coli (cfu/100mL) Geometric Mean
Tested August 21, 2023

More Park info

Long Beach

Always use caution when swimming in natural waters
68.5 E.coli (cfu/100mL) Geometric Mean
Tested August 21, 2023

More Park info

Chippawa Creek

Always use caution when swimming in natural waters
0 E.coli (cfu/100mL) Geometric Mean
Tested August 28, 2023

More Park info

Long Beach

Always use caution when swimming in natural waters
10 E.coli (cfu/100mL) Geometric Mean
Tested August 28, 2023

More Park info