**** HRM Media Release
Birch Cove Beach closed to swimming
The Halifax Regional Municipality is advising residents that Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth is closed to swimming until further notice due to high bacteria levels in the water.
Birch Cove Beach is a supervised beach. Municipal staff regularly test the water quality at all supervised municipal beaches, as well as one unsupervised beach, during the summer months. Recent test results indicate bacteria levels at this beach exceed Health Canada swimming guidelines.
High bacteria levels can be caused by a number of factors, including dogs, birds, wildlife, and high temperatures. Staff will continue testing the water until bacteria levels return to safe levels. The municipality will advise residents when the beach reopens.
