**** 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 two unsupervised beaches, 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 impacts from climate change, such as high temperatures, lower water levels and decreased rainfall. Staff will continue testing the water until bacteria levels return to safe levels. The municipality will advise residents when the beach reopens.

For more information on municipal beaches and outdoor pools across the region, please visit our beaches page.