Watershed & Environment

  • Water Quality Advisory: Blue-Green Algae Bloom (Silver Lake, North Shoreline)

    For the most up-to-date information on current waterways affected by blue-green algae, please visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit’s webpage: Blue-Green Algae

    For information on the potential health risks associated with blue-green algal blooms, please contact Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520 to speak with a public health inspector.

    Report suspected blooms to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). Incidents can be reported online or by phone:

    • 416-325-3000
    • Toll-free: 1-800-268-6060
    • TTY: 1-855-889-5775

    Note: This advisory on muskokalakes.ca will be updated in accordance with information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

  • [Lifted as of Aug. 6] Swimming Advisory: Hanna Park, Port Carling

    The swimming advisory for Hanna Park, located at 40 Bailey St., Port Carling, originally issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on June 23, 2026, has been lifted as of August 6, 2026. 


    During a Swimming Advisory:

    • Bacteria levels are above 200 E. coli per 100mL.
    • There is a higher risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections as well as stomach illness.
    • If you choose to swim during an advisory avoid putting your head under or swallowing water.
    • Advisories are lifted once bacteria levels return to safe levels.
    • A notice has been posted at the beach to inform visitors of the advisory.
    • Stay Informed by visiting the list of current swimming advisories.

    Conditions that can increase bacteria levels in the water include recent heavy rain, wind and high waves, large number of birds or swimmers, cloudy water.

    Contact: For more information, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520. For after-hours public health emergencies, call 1-888-225-7851.

    Note: This advisory on muskokalakes.ca will be updated in alignment with information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

  • [Lifted as of Aug. 6] Swimming Advisory: Baycliffe Park, Milford Bay

    The swimming advisory for Baycliffe Park, located at 1148 Milford Bay Rd, originally issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on July 28, 2026, has been lifted as of August 6, 2026. 

    Swimming Program: Lessons will return to Baycliffe Park as of Monday, August 10. 


    During a Swimming Advisory:

    • Bacteria levels are above 200 E. coli per 100mL.
    • There is a higher risk of skin, eye, ear, nose, or throat infections as well as stomach illness.
    • If you choose to swim during an advisory avoid putting your head under or swallowing water.
    • Advisories are lifted once bacteria levels return to safe levels.
    • A notice has been posted at the beach to inform visitors of the advisory.
    • Stay Informed by visiting the list of current swimming advisories.

    Conditions that can increase bacteria levels in the water include recent heavy rain, wind and high waves, large number of birds or swimmers, cloudy water.

    Contact: For more information, contact the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit at 705-721-7520 or toll-free at 1-877-721-7520. For after-hours public health emergencies, call 1-888-225-7851.

    Note: This advisory on muskokalakes.ca will be updated in alignment with information provided by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.

  • Water Safety Bulletin Remains in Effect (until June 26)

    The Ministry of Natural Resources (“MNR”), Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District, is advising area residents and visitors that a Watershed Conditions Statement - Water Safety is in effect for the following portions of the Muskoka River Watershed:

    • Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph (including the Indian River between Lake Rosseau and Lake Muskoka)
    • Moon River including the Bala Reach

    Be advised:

    • Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features.
    • Use caution in lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads as they may be impacted to varying degrees. 
    • Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 
    • In areas experiencing high water levels, please slow down and be mindful of your wake. 

    For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

    For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026 

  • Water Safety Bulletin Remains in Effect (until June 19)

    Water levels and river flows in many locations are currently elevated and are expected to remain high over the next week, which include: 

    • Lake Muskoka
    • Lake Rosseau
    • Moon River including the Bala Reach
    • Lake Cecebe
    • Ahmic Lake and portions of the watershed downstream of Ahmic Lake

    Be advised:

    • Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features.
    • Use caution in lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads as they may be impacted to varying degrees. 
    • Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 
    • In areas experiencing high water levels, please slow down and be mindful of your wake. 

    For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

    For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026 

  • Flood Outlook Lifted for Muskoka; Water Safety Bulletin Remains in Effect (until June 5)

    Water levels and river flows in many locations are at near normal conditions, though some areas remain elevated. 

    Be advised:

    • Residents, visitors, and boaters are advised to use extreme caution near dams, as recent high-water levels may have affected safety booms, signage, barriers, and other safety features.
    • Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads may still be impacted to varying degrees. 
    • Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 
    • In areas still experiencing high water levels, please slow down and be mindful of your wake. 

    For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

    For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026 

  • Flood Warning ended for Muskoka River; Flood Outlook in effect (until May 13, 2026)

    Residents and visitors should anticipate lake and river water levels to continue to decrease in many areas, with some locations beginning to stabilize. Lower-lying portions of known flood-prone areas and forest access roads may be impacted to varying degrees should significant rainfall occur.

    Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Take the necessary actions to safeguard your home and property.

    For current conditions, preparedness tips and monitoring resources, visit: Flood Information

    For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026  

  • Flood Warning Extended for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District (until May 6, 2026)

    Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Take action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.

    Sandbags: Self-serve sandbags are available at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

    For current conditions and resources, visit: Flood Information

    For flood debris disposal information via District of Muskoka, visit: Spring Flooding - 2026  

  • Flood Warning Remains in Effect for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District (until April 29, 2026)

    Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. Take action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.

    Sandbags: Self-serve sandbags are available at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

    For current conditions and resources, visit: Flood Information

  • Flood Warning in Effect for Bracebridge-Minden-Parry Sound District (until April 22, 2026)

    (Updated April 17) Locations of particular concern due to the potential for heightened impacts include Lake Muskoka and Moon River including the Bala Reach. Keep a close watch on weather conditions, exercise caution near fast moving rivers and streams and maintain close supervision of children and pets. 

    MNR advises residents to take immediate action to safeguard homes and property. Flooding could occur quickly and with little or no warning.

    Sandbags are available for self-serve pickup at Bala Sports Park (3224 Muskoka Rd. 169) and Hanna Park (40 Bailey St.)

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Township of Muskoka Lakes
1 Bailey St., P.O. Box 129,
Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0
T: 705-765-3156 F: 705-765-6755

Office Hours: 8:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

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