Lambton Public Health launches 2026 beach water monitoring program

Lambton Public Health has launched its 2026 beach water quality monitoring program, with daily and weekly checks planned at public beaches across Lambton County until late August.

Lambton Public Health began its 2026 beach water quality monitoring program on Monday, June 1, at designated public beaches across Lambton County.

The annual summer program monitors water quality at public beaches to help residents and visitors determine whether the water is safe for swimming.

Beach water quality will be assessed using predictive beach-water sampling and water sample analysis. Beach status will be listed in one of two ways: posted or not posted.

A posted beach means warning signs are displayed and the water is considered unsafe for swimming due to high bacteria levels that may pose a health risk. A beach that is not posted means no water quality issues have been identified, though beachgoers are still advised to monitor conditions.

Cloudy water caused by high wave activity or heavy rainfall may contain higher levels of bacteria.

Predictive beach model monitoring will be used at five Lambton County public beaches and monitored daily from Monday to Friday. Two additional beaches will be monitored weekly through water sampling and laboratory analysis.

Monitoring will continue until Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.

“The predictive beach model monitoring system provides a more accurate representation of water quality and allows us to relay this information to the public sooner,” said Lori Lucas, Health Protection Supervisor with Lambton Public Health.

Beaches monitored daily using predictive models include Grand Bend North Beach, Grand Bend South Beach, Ipperwash Main Beach, Bright’s Grove including Mike Weir Park, and Canatara Park.

Beaches monitored weekly through water sampling and lab analysis include Pinery Provincial Park and Highland Glen Park.

No sampling takes place along the St. Clair River. However, permanent caution signs advising of high bacteria levels following heavy rainfall are posted at Branton Cundick Park, Brander Park and Seager Park.

Residents can check beach water quality status reports by texting the word “Beach” to 226-909-3003, calling the Beach InfoLine at 519-383-3816 or toll-free at 1-800-667-1839 ext. 3816.