2004 Beach Water Quality Results


A typical year at Toronto's beaches.

•6 out of 14 unsafe more than 50% of the summer

Top Beaches in 2004

•Hanlan's Point, Ward's, Cherry Beach, Woodbine and Beaches Park

Worst Beaches in 2004

•Marie Curtis, Gzowksi, Sunnyside, Bluffer's, Rouge

As usual the beaches in our Western and Eastern most parts of the city were closed to swimming more often than they were open. Unsafe E.coli levels in Marie Curtis Park Beach meant the water was unswimmable 68% of the summer from June until Labour Day; Sir Gzowski Beach was unsafe for swimming 79% of the summer, Sunnyside 64%, Bluffer's 73% and Rouge Park Beach 63%. Closures were highest during the warmest months - July and August.

Many water quality tests reported E.coli levels over 500 and in some cases 1000 coliform counts per 100ml - (e.g. Sir Gzowski Beach, Sunnyside and Bluffer's Park Beach).

Budapest and Center Island Beach were close to the 50% mark for the number of poor water quality days reported. E.coli levels commonly fluctuated between 200 and 400 coliforms per 100ml. Kew and Balmy Beaches were closed over 20% of the summer.

The City's cleaner beaches were Hanlan's Point Beach and Ward's Island. On the mainland you would have been wise to spread your towel out at Cherry Beach, Woodbine and Beaches Park - all just east of Toronto Harbour (the centre of the city).