A number of beaches in Hamilton and Halton Region have been closed or deemed unsafe to swim in due to high bacteria levels and blue-green algae.

The beach at Pier 4 Park in Hamilton has been closed since July 4 because of blue-green algae and five Halton beaches are considered unsafe to swim in.

Pier 4 beach closed much earlier this year compared to the last two years. In 2023, Hamilton’s beach monitoring report says blue-green algae was found on August 29. The beach was closed for six days due to the algae and 21 days due to E. coli.

The algae in the water typically gives off a smelly odour as it dies and decays, especially along the shoreline. According to the City of Hamilton, it forms in shallow, warm and slow-moving water. It can almost look like green pea soup but can also present as yellow, purple, red or brown.

Public Health Services has upgraded signage at all public beaches. These signs will “help inform community members and visitors in between public health’s routine beach water sampling of the different conditions that could create potential unsafe water quality conditions.”

The Halton beaches considered unsafe to swim in by Halton Region are: Bronte Beach Park, Coronation Park East, Coronation Park West, Lakeside Park Beach and Prospect Park Old Beach.

According to Halton Region, when a beach is posted unsafe for swimming E. coli test results exceed the Ministry guideline and swimming in the waters may increase the risk of illness or infections.

Hamilton Harbour remains on the Great Lakes Areas of Concern list. Federal data shows the water quality and environmental health were severely degraded. Hamilton’s beach monitoring report from 2023 reported that Harbour beaches must be open 80 per cent of the time in order to get off the list. Pier 4 was only open 74 per cent of the time. A remedial action plan is in place address these concerns.

If beaches are closed or deemed unsafe people and pets are advised to avoid all contact with the water. Ingesting or touching the toxins can lead to skin irritations, sore throat and eyes and nausea and vomiting.

The City of Hamilton’s ‘Safe Water Hotline’ is 905-546-2189.

READ MORE: Blue-green algae causes closure of Hamilton’s Pier 4 Park beach