Throughout the summer, Durham Region Health Department tests waters at public beaches as part of its beach monitoring program. Tests carried out at all Durham Region beaches include testing water samples for high levels of bacteria to let beach visitors know which beaches are safe for swimming. Unless otherwise indicated, results reflect routine, weekly monitoring conducted by Health Department staff.
Test results for this week indicate that no beaches have been posted as unsafe for swimming due to elevated bacteria levels.
| Municipality | Beach | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Ajax | Paradise Beach (Lakeview Blvd. and Paradise Lane) Map this location |
Open |
| Brock | Beaverton North Beach (Wellington St. and Victoria St.) Map this location |
Open |
| Brock | Beaverton South Beach (Simcoe St. & Harbour Park Cres.) Map this location |
Open |
| Brock | Thorah Centennial Park (Shoreline Rd. RR#47 and Thorah Concession Rd. 9) Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington | Bowmanville East (Port Darlington Rd. and East Beach Rd.) Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington | Bowmanville West (West Beach Rd. and Cove Rd.) Map this location |
Open |
| Clarington | Newcastle Beach Central (Mill St. South and Boulton St.) Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa | Lakeview Beach East (Simcoe St. South and Lakeview Park Ave.) Map this location |
Open |
| Oshawa | Lakeview Beach West (Kluane Ave. and Lakeview Park Ave.) Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering | Frenchman’s Bay East (Wharf St. and Liverpool Rd.) Map this location |
Open |
| Pickering | Frenchman’s Bay West (West Shore Blvd. and Beachpoint Promenade) Map this location |
Open |
| Scugog | Kinsmen Beach (Palmer Park – Water St. and Mary St.) Map this location |
Open |
| Uxbridge | Elgin Pond (Mill Pond – Main St and Mill St.) Map this location |
Open |
| Whitby | Whitby Beach (Heydenshore Park – South Blair St. and Water St.) Map this location |
Open |
What is blue-green algae? Blue-green algae are microscopic, plant-like organisms that occur naturally in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Blue-green algae can occur as blooms in the water, or can also be present in the water even if no bloom is seen. The algae are often blue-green in colour, but can also be olive-green or red.
Blue-green algae monitoring and signage
Blue-green algae signs will be posted at all public beaches in Durham Region throughout the swimming season. What is Blue-Green Algae? will provide the public with general information about blue-green algae and precautionary measures you can take when visiting our beaches.
If a blue-green algae bloom is identified by the Health Department through a visual confirmation and/or confirmation by water quality testing conducted by the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), a Water Quality Advisory for blue-green algae will be posted at the affected beach and will replace the general information sign.
If a Water Quality Advisory is issued for blue-green algae at a beach location, signage will remain in place for the remainder of the beach season.
Testing for blue-green algae is not conducted on a routine basis. Water conditions can change quickly and at any time. You may see a Water Quality Advisory sign posted at beaches where you may not see an algae bloom. Always take a cautious approach. Toxins that can be harmful to both humans and animals may still be present.
To report blue-green algal blooms, call the MECP’s Spills Action Centre at 1-866-MOE-TIPS (663-8477), or call the Durham Health Connection Line.