Testing has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were within recreational water quality guidelines at most beaches monitored this week by Manitoba Water Stewardship.
E. coli counts were above the guideline at Gimli beach on July 12 but returned to within the guideline by July 13. Exceedance of the guideline of 200 E. coli per 100 ml was likely caused by the weather conditions that caused winds and waves to wash bacteria out of the sand and into the bathing water.
Algae blooms can appear in Manitoba lakes during July and can occur periodically until mid-September. Warm and calm weather coupled with relatively high nutrient loads provide ideal conditions for blue-green algae to develop. Bathers are reminded to avoid swimming in water where severe algae blooms are visible.
Results for all beaches across Manitoba are posted as they become available on Manitoba Water Stewardship’s website.
Visit the Manitoba beaches website for information on swimmer and water safety, and what can be done to help protect beaches by following the water-smart precautions listed on the website.
