Water testing this week has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were within recreational water quality guidelines at most beaches monitored by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship.
E. coli counts were above the guideline at Gull Harbour Beach on Lake Winnipeg on July 30 but quickly returned to within the guideline by Aug. 1. On Lake Winnipeg, weather and lake level information appear to be good predictors of E. coli levels. Bacteria counts tend to increase when strong north winds cause water levels to temporarily increase and large waves wash bacteria out of beach sand. When calmer weather returns, E. coli bacteria levels typically fall quickly to below guideline levels.
Algal blooms were reported this week on Lake Winnipeg at Hillside Beach, Victoria Beach (Red Cross Dock) and West Grand Beach.
The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline on July 30 and Aug. 2 at Hillside Beach on Lake Winnipeg. The concentration of the algal toxin microcystin was below the recreational water quality guideline.
The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline on July 30 at the Victoria Beach (Red Cross Dock) on Lake Winnipeg but returned to within the guideline on Aug. 2. The concentration of the algal toxin microcystin was below the recreational water quality guideline.
An algal bloom at West Grand Beach was reported on Aug. 3. Water samples were collected today and results will be available early next week.
Algal blooms were also reported at Pelican Lake at Ninette and Pleasant Valley. The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline on July 30 at Pelican Lake at Ninette and at Pleasant Valley. The concentration of the algal toxin microcystin was below the recreational water quality guideline at both locations.
Algae advisory signs are posted at Pelican Lake (Pleasant Valley and Ninette) and on Lake Winnipeg at Hillside Beach, Victoria Beach (Red Cross Dock), West Grand Beach and at the lagoon at West Grand Beach.
Algae blooms are difficult to predict and may form and then disperse quickly, or last for several days or weeks. Warm and calm weather coupled with relatively high nutrient loads provide ideal conditions for blue-green algae to develop.
People are reminded to avoid swimming in water where severe algae blooms are visible and to prevent pets from drinking water along the shoreline.
Information on results of beach water quality testing, advisory signs posted at beaches, and swimmer and water safety is available online.
