KAWARTHA LAKES-The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR District Health Unit) is launching its 2025 Beach Water Monitoring Program to help protect the health of residents and visitors enjoying our local beaches this season.
From June 16 to August 29, 2025, Public Health Inspectors will partner with Public Health Ontario to monitor and test water quality at 54 public beaches across the County of Haliburton, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and Northumberland County.
Weekly water samples will be tested for E. coli, a key indicator of water safety.
“This summer’s beach water monitoring program will help ensure the health and safety of swimmers across the district area,” says Bernie Mayer, Manager of Health Protection with the HKPR District Health Unit. “Regular testing allows us to identify potential risks early and keep the public informed so they can enjoy the beach with confidence.”
The health unit says swimming in contaminated water can expose people to harmful bacteria and viruses that cause gastrointestinal illness, skin rashes, eye or ear infections, and other health issues. Beaches can be contaminated by sources such as stormwater runoff, wildlife, or sewage leaks—often without visible signs of pollution.
Through regular testing, the HKPR District Health Unit helps reduce risk and empower people to make informed decisions before swimming at local beaches. Water samples are collected weekly and analyzed by a provincial laboratory for E. coli levels.
Based on the results, each beach is assigned one of three risk levels:
• LOW RISK (Green): Safe for swimming.
• MODERATE RISK (Yellow): Swimming not recommended. If you choose to swim, avoid putting your head underwater or swallowing water.
• HIGH RISK (Red): Beach is unsafe for swimming and considered closed due to high bacteria levels.
Weekly results will be reported on Kawartha 411 News.
