Beach sampling

Beach water is tested at popular swimming spots across Vancouver Island from mid-May to September. The results help you decide when and where it's safe to swim.

Find current beach advisories
Find beach sample results

What affects beach water quality?

Beach water can become unsafe due to heavy rain and runoff, wildlife, sewage, or nearby human activity. When test results show the water may not be safe, beach owners and local government post an advisory at the site. Advisories are lifted once the water tests safe again.

Beach owners and operators are responsible for regular water testing and keeping their beaches safe for public use.

Have a concern about a beach?

Contact your local environmental public health office or submit a concern online.

Frequently asked questions

Why are beaches monitored?

Beaches are monitored to help keep swimmers safe. Sometimes, bacteria levels in the water can become too high. Swimming in this water may increase the chance of getting sick, such as ear, nose, or throat infections, or stomach illnesses. Monitoring helps identify when it may not be safe to swim.

How are beaches chosen for sampling?

Beaches may be included in the sampling program when local governments or beach owners request it. Environmental Health Officers then assess each beach to decide if regular sampling is needed. They look at how often the beach is used and what kinds of activities take place there. Beaches used for swimming and other activities where people may swallow water are more likely to be included. 

How often are beaches sampled?

Environmental Health Officers use a risk assessment tool to decide how often each beach should be sampled. This assessment considers how the beach is used, past sample results, and possible sources of contamination.

Based on this assessment, sampling usually happens:

• High-risk beaches: weekly
• Moderate-risk beaches: every two weeks
• Low-risk beaches: monthly

What is tested for?

Testing looks for indicator bacteria in the water. These bacteria help show whether there may be fecal contamination and if swimming could carry a health risk.

The type of indicator bacteria depends on the water:

• Fresh water beaches: E. coli
• Salt water beaches: Enterococci

The standards used are based on the Health Canada Guidelines.

When are advisories posted on beaches?

Beach advisories are recommended when there is an increased health risk linked to bacteria levels in the water. This may happen when:

• The average of recent samples (geometric mean) is higher than 200 E. coli or 35 Enterococci
• A single sample is higher than 400 E. coli or 70 Enterococci
• A visible blue-green algae bloom is present
• Other public health risks are identified

These standards are based on Health Canada guidelines.

When an advisory is needed, Environmental Health Officers contact the local government or agency responsible for the beach. They may re-test the water and/or post a warning sign at the beach. Public beaches remain open during an advisory, but swimming may not be safe.

When are beach advisories lifted?

Beach advisories are lifted when the risk to swimmers is no longer present. This may happen when:

• The average of recent samples (geometric mean) falls below 200 E. coli or 35 Enterococci.
• Two consecutive samples are below the single-sample limits (400 E. coli or 70 Enterococci).
• A blue-green algae bloom is no longer visible.
• Any other identified public health risk has been resolved.

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae are tiny organisms that naturally occur in water, most commonly in shallow, slow-moving water such as ponds and freshwater lakes.

They are usually not visible. However, under certain conditions, they can form blooms that appear on the surface of the water. These blooms may look like a sheen or thicker layer and can be green, blue, red, or brown in colour.

Some blue-green algae can produce toxins called microcystins, which may be harmful to humans, pets, and other animals. Not all algae blooms are harmful, and other types of algae can also form visible blooms.

It is recommended to avoid drinking the water, swimming, or having direct contact during an active bloom. Beach advisories are posted when a visible bloom is present.

Resources: 
Cyanobacteria Bloom (Blue-Green Algae)
Province of BC Algae Watch

Tips for safe beach use

• Check beach advisories and sampling results before swimming. Water quality results are most accurate for up to two days after a sample is taken.
• Avoid swimming after heavy rainfall or when the water looks murky or cloudy.
• Do not swallow beach water.
• Avoid swimming if you have open cuts or wounds, or if you are experiencing a stomach illness.
• Shower as soon as possible after being in the water.
• Wash hands before eating.