Weekly beach test results now available online through Check&Go! Durham

Durham Region Health Department has commenced its 2026 Beach Monitoring program and has posted the first water sample test results of the season on the Health Department’s disclosure portal, Check&Go! Durham. This online access provides area residents with real-time weekly inspection results for all 15 inspected local public beaches.

Throughout the summer season until Labour Day, test results will be updated weekly on Check&Go! Durham. Social media reminders for residents to check the portal will also be posted every Friday on x.com/DurhamHealth, instagram.com/DurhamRegionHealth and facebook.com/DurhamRegionHealth.

“Providing timely, transparent access to beach water quality results is an important part of protecting community health,” said Sendi Struna, Manager of Health Protection with the Health Department. “Check&Go! Durham makes it easier for residents to stay informed with up-to-date, accurate information so they can make safe and confident decision when visiting local beaches this summer.”

Throughout the summer, the Health Department conducts bacteriological water tests at 15 public beaches in Durham Region to determine if these beaches are safe for swimming. The Public Health Ontario Laboratory in Peterborough tests the water samples. Beaches are posted as unsafe for swimming when elevated levels of E. coli exceed the provincial standard of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water.

The Health Department reminds the public not to swim in beach water for at least 48 hours after heavy rainfall, as bacteria levels can increase due to run-off.

To access inspected public beach reports in Durham Region, visit durham.ca/BeachResults. For more information about the Health Department’s Beach Monitoring program, visit durham.ca/Beaches or call myDurham 311 (within regional boundaries: 311, outside regional boundaries: 905-668-2020 or 1-800-841-2729).