Beach Advisories

As of the most recent Island Health testing in early August, there are no beach advisories for Brentwood Bay. 
 
Background
If a beach advisory is in place, residents are advised the water may be unsafe for swimming, and Island Health signage is posted at the beach access. From May until Labour Day, Island Health monitors water quality at swimming destinations on the Island (see Beach Reports) because bacteria levels fluctuate and can pose a health hazard. Each summer, there are times when various beaches on the Island have advisories. 
 
In June and July, Island Health noted a quality issue with water sampling at two Brentwood Bay beaches. The beaches are at the base of Clarke Road and at the base of Stelly's Cross Road. 
 
Questions and Answers
What is a beach advisory? A beach advisory indicates the water may be unsafe for swimming. Public beaches are not technically "closed" to public access. A warning sign is posted advising the public that the water may be unsafe for swimming.​
 

What is the bacteria? The sample for salt water beaches on the Island looks at levels of the bacteria enterococci. Several factors can influence the levels of enterococci, including tide levels, animal feces, summer water temperatures and heat, and runoff from precipitation events. For more information, please see Island Health's Q&As and/or contact Island Health, Greater Victoria Beaches at 250.519.3401.

What is the risk? Swimming in contaminated water can result in increased risk of ear, nose and throat infections or gastrointestinal illnesses.

What is the process involved in declaring a Beach Advisory? Island Health collects water samples from various beaches.  If a test result is high, they re-test.  If the second sample is high and there are public health concerns, they will advise the public through onsite signage and notices on their website. Island Health will be sampling the water on a regular basis to monitor the levels and will advise the public when the water is safe to swim in.

Who is investigating potential contamination sources?  When the municipality receives this information from Island Health, we contact the Capital Regional District (CRD) to request they investigate possible land sources of contamination, our staff investigates Central Saanich's municipal sewer system near the beach to ensure there are no  leakages, and we follow the Island Health reports closely to monitor the situation and inform the public. ​CRD staff monitor measure levels of contamination in storm drain pipes, creeks and the nearshore marine environment in approximately 500 locations. The aim of the monitoring is to identify sources and assess potential impacts to public and environmental health. The data is summarized in annual reports and used by our municipal partners, other jurisdictions and the community, to identify sources of contamination and direct clean-up, infrastructure upgrades and restoration activities.