Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality

Appendix 1: Bathing Area Environmental Health Assessment

• Beach Name:
• Body of Water:
• Type of Water:
  • Fresh
  • Marine
  • Estuarine
• Location:
• Owner/Operator:
• Address:
• Phone:

Microbiological Hazards

As appropriate, consult with Public Health, Environment, and/or Agriculture Departments.

• Sewage
• Is the water quality likely to be affected by discharges from:
• 1. private on-site sewage disposal systems?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. communal sewage treatment facilities?
  • Y
  • N
• 3. agricultural activities?
  • Y
  • N
• 
  Storm Water Runoff
• Is the water quality likely to be affected by runoff from:
• 1. municipal storm drains?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. agricultural fields?
  • Y
  • N
• 3. natural drainage?
  • Y
  • N

Note: any of the above with a Yes answer require(s) a Detailed Investigation and Risk Analysis.

Physical Hazards

• Access
• 1. Is the beach protected from vehicle access?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. Is the swimming area protected from water craft access?
  • Y
  • N
• 
  Shoreline
• 1. Is the shoreline free of large rocks, sharp objects, or other impairments?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. Is the shoreline free of trees and shrubs that may impair visibility?
  • Y
  • N
• 
  Bottom Conditions
• 1. Does the bottom consist of material that is not easily stirred up?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. Are the slopes gentle?
  • Y
  • N
• 3. Is the bottom free of large rocks, sharp objects, or other obstructions?
  • Y
  • N
• 4. Is the maximum depth of the swimming area less than 4.5 metres?
  • Y
  • N
• 5. Is the bottom free of weeds?
  • Y
  • N
• 
  Water Conditions
• 1. Is the water elevation constant throughout the season?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. Have lateral and helical currents been assessed as safe?
  • Y
  • N
• 3. Have surf conditions been assessed for potential to create undertows and rips?
  • Y
  • N
• 4. Are there 2.8 to 3.7 square metres of space available per swimmer?
  • Y
  • N

Note: any of the above with a No answer require(s) a Detailed Investigation and Risk Analysis.

Chemical Hazards

As appropriate, consult with Environment and/or Agriculture Departments.

• Chemical
• Is the water quality likely to be affected by:
• 1. discharges from industrial sources?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. agricultural drainage?
  • Y
  • N
• 3. water craft mooring or use?
  • Y
  • N

Note: any of the above with a Yes answer require(s) a Detailed Investigation and Risk Analysis.

Reporting Systems

• 1. Are there formal mechanisms for the reporting of abnormal waste discharges, spills, treatment bypasses, etc., to the local health authority?
  • Y
  • N
• 2. Is there an illness or injury reporting mechanism in place that would be effective for epidemiological monitoring?
  • Y
  • N

Sampling or Posting Recommendations

• Date of Assessment
• Responsible Authority