Swimmers heading to Durham Region beaches this summer can now check water quality results before they go. The Durham Region Health Department has started its 2026 Beach Monitoring program, and the first water sample test results of the season are already posted on the department's online disclosure portal, Check&Go! Durham.
Weekly updates until Labour Day
The Health Department will update the results weekly on Check&Go! Durham throughout the summer season until Labour Day, according to a Region of Durham news release. The portal provides real-time weekly inspection results for all 15 inspected public beaches in the region.
The Region will also post reminders on social media every Friday, encouraging residents to check the portal before heading to the beach. The reminders will appear on the Health Department's accounts on X, Instagram and Facebook.
How testing works
Over the summer, the Health Department conducts bacteriological water tests at the 15 public beaches to determine whether they are safe for swimming. Water samples are analyzed by the Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough.
A beach is posted as unsafe for swimming when elevated levels of E. coli exceed the provincial standard of 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres of water.
"Providing timely, transparent access to beach water quality results is an important part of protecting community health," said Sendi Struna, Manager of Health Protection with the Health Department. "Check&Go! Durham makes it easier for residents to stay informed with up-to-date, accurate information so they can make safe and confident decision when visiting local beaches this summer."
What swimmers should know
The Health Department is reminding residents not to swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, since bacteria levels can rise because of run-off.
For Whitby residents planning a trip to the waterfront, inspected public beach reports can be found at durham.ca/BeachResults. More information about the Beach Monitoring program is available at durham.ca/Beaches.
Residents with questions can also call myDurham 311. The number is 311 within regional boundaries, 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729 from outside the region.
