Beach water quality

It’s normal to find bacteria in surface water and for these levels to fluctuate. Many factors affect water quality including wind, recent heavy rains and water temperature. Stormwater runoff, waste from wild and domestic animals, waste from pleasure craft and large numbers of swimmers can also affect the water. 

To help ensure everyone’s safety, the provincial government monitors water quality at provincial park beaches.

Monitored beaches include Parlee Beach, Murray Beach, Mactaquac, Mount Carleton, North Lake, Oak Bay, New River Beach, Miscou and Val-Comeau. The water is tested regularly during the swimming season, and all results are available on the Provincial Park beach information page.

When bacterial levels are below Health Canada guideline values, the water is open and suitable for swimming. 

When bacterial levels are above guideline values, a “No Swimming” advisory is issued. In this case, the public is warned that the water is not suitable for swimming. When a no swimming advisory is in place, it does not mean the beach is closed. Many activities such as walking or running on the shore, hiking, relaxing on the beach and photography can still be enjoyed safely. 

Swimming in waters with bacteria levels above guideline values does not mean that you will get sick, but it increases the risk. Levels fluctuate throughout the day so there is always a small risk of exposure.

Possible health effects of swimming in water with high bacteria levels could include gastrointestinal upset, skin irritation or infection and upper respiratory illness. You can get sick from a variety of exposures such as contact with other people, contaminated food, contaminated environments, etc. If you experience diarrhea, vomiting, respiratory infection, fever, rash or abdominal cramps that don’t resolve, seek attention from a health professional.

There are ways to protect yourself at the beach, regardless of water conditions. It is recommended to:

• avoid swallowing water
• avoid putting open sores or wounds in the water 
• always wash your hands before eating

On occasion, the collection of required samples may not be possible due to weather/environmental conditions, safety concerns or other unforeseen circumstances. In these situations, results will be reported in the current beach water quality table as blank, and the most recently available data will be used to determine beach status.

A Water Monitoring Protocol for Provincial Park Beaches (publication) has been established which includes an evaluation of certain Provincial Park beaches. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health is responsible for ensuring that protocol is in place and up to date. The Department of Environment and Local Government is responsible for overseeing sample collection and ensuring proper training is provided. 

Only trained personnel collect water samples at these beaches. The samples are sent to an accredited laboratory for analysis. On occasion, the collection of required samples may not be possible due to weather/environmental conditions, safety concerns or other unforeseen circumstances.

The monitoring frequency at provincial park beaches is as follows:

Based on a risk assessment conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, beach monitoring was not required at Herring Cove, Anchorage and Fundy Trail Parkway. The rationale is that the water is extremely cold, the areas are well flushed, and people do not generally swim at these locations. 

The protocol requires all beaches to follow the same process:

1. Collect water samples from five different locations at each beach.
2. Send water samples to an accredited lab for analysis. (It takes approximately 24 hours from the time a water sample is collected to the time results come back.)
3. Compare results to the Health Canada guidelines to determine if the water is “Suitable for Swimming” or if a “No Swimming” advisory will be issued.
4. Place signage at key locations within the provincial park.
5. Make all water quality results and current beach status publicly available at beaches.gnb.ca.

Health Canada has established guideline values that strike a balance between potential health risks and the benefits of recreational water use in terms of physical activity and enjoyment.  Indicator bacteria monitored at a particular beach depends on whether or not the beach has fresh water or marine water.  Enterococci is the most appropriate indicator of fecal contamination in marine recreational waters.  Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most appropriate indicator of fecal contamination in fresh recreational waters.

If you have any questions or concerns about water quality monitoring at New Brunswick beaches, please contact the Department of Health or the Department of Environment and Local Government.

Everyone has a role in protecting the environment and water quality. 

To help keep our recreational waters and environment clean, always remember to:

• dispose of garbage, including pet waste in designated areas
• do not feed birds or other wildlife at the beach
• maintain septic tanks regularly
• empty recreational vehicle septic systems at designated disposal sites
• dispose of waste from pleasure boats at approved facilities

Recreational water and health   – Find out what recreational bodies of water are and how to protect your health while enjoying them from the Government of Canada.

Water and the environment   – Learn more about water sustainability efforts from the Government of Canada.

Recreational Water Safety  – Health Canada has highlighted ways to stay safe at the beach. 

Water monitoring infographic (PDF)