The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has issued warnings for five regional beaches due to elevated E. coli levels, urging residents to avoid swimming in these waters.
Beaches Under Warning
Swimming is not recommended at the following beaches, as E. coli counts exceed 200 per 100 millilitres of water, a threshold considered unsafe for swimming:
- Cedar Beach
- Cedar Island Beach
- Holiday Beach
- Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach
- Seacliff Beach
High Risk Beaches
Holiday Beach and Lakeshore Lakeview Park West Beach are classified as high risk, with E. coli counts above 600 and 800, respectively. Cedar Beach, Cedar Island Beach, and Seacliff Beach are rated moderate risk, with levels between 200 and 300.
Safe Beaches
Colchester Beach and Point Pelee North West Beach remain open with no current warnings. As of June 17, both had E. coli counts below 200.
Health Unit Recommendations
Residents are advised to check WECHU’s website for the latest E. coli results before swimming. The health unit monitors water quality at seven public beaches weekly from May to August, testing for bacteria levels to determine safety.
Beach water quality can change daily due to weather and lake conditions. Officials recommend avoiding swimming for 48 hours after heavy rainfall and staying out of water that is rough, cloudy, or green, or if swimmers cannot see their feet while standing.
For updates, call the WECHU Beach Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 1490 or visit the beach water testing page.
