E.coli and Health Risks

Toronto Public Health tests water quality at each beach everyday from June until Labour Day. Before you go - get informed about whether or not it is safe to swim that day.
 
Check beach water quality at:
www.torontobeach.ca
 
Or call the City's Beaches Hotline: 416-392-7161

Why you shouldn't swim if the water is unsafe



When beach water tests above 100 counts of fecal coliform in 100ml of water it is assumed that E.coli is present and the beach is posted as Unsafe for Swimming.

Ontario's provincial water quality standard is the highest in the world. But bathers should still be cautious. Test results are only received 24 hours after they are taken. If it rained the day before or that morning, stay on the shore. Toronto Public Health protects potential swimmers by automatically posting a beach as unsafe if it is raining (and the sewers are overflowing) and leaving the warning signs up for at least a day after the storm. A red flag is also flown from the Lifeguard Stand.

Swimming in E.coli (sewage-contaminated water) can cause skin rashes, eye and throat infections, stomachaches and diarrhea. Young children, the elderly and those with suppressed immune systems are at greatest risk from exposure to this type of pollution.

Still, it is not uncommon to witness at least one brave sole ignoring the warnings and take a dip on a hot smoggy day in Toronto.
 
It's not just the beach that becomes polluted when the sewers overflow --
Near combined sewer outfalls located in our rivers (there are 30 in the Don River alone) - fecal coliform counts have spiked over 100,000 counts per 100 ml. The sewage and bacteria in these areas are the most concentrated and dangerous. Yet there are no warning signs in these areas. It is best to keep your dog and yourself away from the river's edge during a rainstorm, and immediately afterwards. In fact, wait at least 24 hours after a rainstorm before venturing to the edge of the river/creek.