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.
Escherichia coli counts were above the guideline at Gull Harbour on Lake Winnipeg on Aug. 27 but returned to within the guideline by Aug. 29.
Algal blooms were reported at a number of beaches this past week.
On Pelican Lake (Ninette and Pleasant Valley beaches), the number of blue-green algal cells remain above the recreational water quality guideline. The algal toxin microcystin remains above the recreational water quality guideline at Ninette beach. Toxic algae advisory signs remain posted on Pelican Lake. Drinking, swimming or other contact with the water, including use of water for livestock or pets, is not recommended.
On Brereton Lake, the number of blue-green algal cells was above the recreational water quality guideline at the campground beach, the south pumphouse beach and Inverness Falls. Algae advisory signs have been posted at these three locations on Brereton Lake. The concentration of the algal toxin microcystin was below the recreational water quality guideline at all three locations.
Algal blooms were reported on Rock Lake (Christian Enrichment Camp), Killarney Lake beach, Oak Lake beach and at Ochre Beach on Dauphin Lake. The number of blue-green algal cells was above the recreational water quality guideline and algae advisory signs have been posted at all four beaches. The concentration of the algal toxin microcystin was below the recreational water quality guideline at these four locations.
An algal bloom was also reported at Salt Lake campground beach but the number of blue-green algal cells and the concentration of the algal toxin microcystin were below the recreational water quality guideline.
On Lake Winnipeg, algae advisory signs are posted at Hillside, Victoria (Red Cross Dock) and West Grand beaches and at the lagoon at West Grand Beach.
Information on beaches where advisory signs are posted is available at the department website.
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 and swimmer and water safety is available online.
