Region-Specific Associations between Environmental Factors and in Freshwater Beaches in Toronto and Niagara Region, Canada.

Poor freshwater beach quality, measured by () levels, poses a risk of recreational water illness. This study linked environmental data to geometric means collected at 18 beaches in Toronto (2008-2019) and the Niagara Region (2011-2019) to examine the environmental predictors of . We developed region-specific models using mixed effects models to examine as a continuous variable and recommended thresholds of concentration (100 CFU/100 mL and 200 CFU/100 mL). Substantial clustering of values at the beach level was observed in Toronto, while minimal clustering was seen in Niagara, suggesting an important beach-specific effect in Toronto beaches. Air temperature and turbidity (measured directly or visually observed) were positively associated with in all models in both regions. In Toronto, waterfowl counts, rainfall, stream discharge and water temperature were positively associated with levels, while solar irradiance and water level were negatively associated. In Niagara, wave height and water level had a positive association with , while rainfall was negatively associated. The differences in regional models suggest the importance of a region-specific approach to addressing beach water quality. The results can guide beach monitoring and management practices, including predictive modelling.