WECHU launches 2025 beach water quality testing program

CTV News

4 days ago

All beaches are open as the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit launches the 2025 beach water quality testing program at eight local beaches.
On Wednesday May 28, beach water samples were taken by Public Health Inspectors from Sandpoint Beach, Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach, Point Pelee Northwest Beach, Seacliff Park Beach, Cedar Island Beach, Cedar Beach, Colchester Beach, and Holiday Beach. The results determined all beaches are open.Water samples are sent to the public health lab in London, Ontario for E. coli bacteria count analysis. This season's sampling results are posted on wechu.org, and available by calling the beach hotline at 519-258-2146, extension 1490. Follow the Health Unit Facebook and Twitter pages for notification of beach warnings and closures.Public beaches must post a warning or a closure sign if the beach results show higher than acceptable levels of E. coli bacteria. The public should also avoid swimming after a heavy rainfall as pollution in beach water is often much higher during and right after rainstorms.
New Predictive Modeling Program
WECHU has also launched a new predictive modeling program at five participating beaches.
'The predictive model provides community access to timely estimations of what the water quality results may be and will be used to supplement our weekly beach monitoring. This enhanced beach monitoring program can help residents make an informed decision on whether to use participating public beaches for swimming' says Jenny Tan, WECHU environmental health manager.