Saanich Inlet Protection Society (SIPS), in co-operation with Surfrider Foundation’s Blue Water Task Force, has started a water quality testing program in Brentwood Bay. The program detects potential sewage contamination by testing for bacteria. The first samples were collected by volunteers January 4th 2026 from 11 locations on streams, storm water drains and marine mooring fields in and around Brentwood Bay. A second set of samples were obtained February 8th 2026 from 10 0f the previous 11 locations and from 3 additional locations. A standard protocol used by Island Health in assessing water safety for swimming is used.
Results showed that on January 4th two of eleven samples were above safe swimming limits. Two other samples had elevated numbers, two more had some bacteria and five were clean. All contaminated samples were in the south-east section of the bay.
Results for February 8th showed only one sample above the safe swimming limit at a different location. Four other samples had elevated numbers of bacteria, two others had some bacteria and five were clean. The highly contaminated samples were clustered in an area near the Brentwood Bay resort and the Ferry wharf.
Please feel free to download the report here.
I you are interested in assisting with testing anywhere on the inlet please contact us here. The testing is not limited to the Brentwood Bay area!
