Beaches and Recreational Water Quality

Plain Language Report Summary

(use links at right to view online or to download the full report).

With more than 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometres) of shoreline, the Great Lakes offer ample opportunity for outdoor enjoyment in beautiful surroundings. The region’s beaches and recreational waters also provide habitat for diverse wildlife and serve as powerful drivers of local economies.

Unfortunately, pollution from various sources sometimes gathers in these same areas, posing risks to public health and hurting local economies. The Great Lakes Basin is home to some 822 beaches that are monitored for water quality. Contaminated recreational waters have been linked to stomach, skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections. Recent research showed that reducing the number of beach advisories that warn swimmers of potential health effects could boost the region’s economy by $3 billion.

Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, Canada and the United States are responsible for restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. An important aspect of this task is addressing microbiological contamination, including pathogens – either micro-organisms or viruses that can cause disease. High numbers of fecal bacteria and pathogenic organisms are among the reasons a beach may be closed.

To continue reading, download the file below.