During the spring of 1992, the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority received financial support from the Ministry of the Environment to undertake a beach study. The purpose of this study is to identify the sources of pollution which may contaminate the swimming area at the Sharon Creek Conservation Area in Delaware Township. During the second year of the program additional areas were studied including Clear Creek/Morden Drain in Oxford Township, Sixteen Mile Creek in Aldborough Township and the lands draining to Rondeau Bay and adjacent lands draining to Lake Erie in Harwich and Howard Townships. The two year program involved intense water sampling of the four watersheds. About 1200 samples were analysed for various chemical and bacterial concentrations. Stream flow measurements were taken using a portable flow metre. In addition, a comprehensive livestock operation assessment and household septic system survey was completed. Over 40 agricultural properties were assessed. The information collected will form the basis for a Clean Up Rural Beaches (CURB) plan, which will identify priority management areas within the study area.