Water testing this week has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were within recreational water quality guidelines at all beaches monitored by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship.
Algal blooms were reported at a number of beaches over this past week.
Algal blooms were present at Pelican Lake (Ninette and Pleasant Valley) this week and the number of blue-green algal cells was above the recreational water quality guidelines. The concentration of the algal toxin microcystin was also above the guidelines on a number of occasions this week. Algal toxin advisory signs are posted at Ninette and Pleasant Valley on Pelican Lake. Swimming in or drinking the water is not recommended. Additional samples will be collected next week.
An algal bloom was also observed at Silver Beach Lake. While the number of blue-green algal cells was above the recreational water quality guidelines, the toxin level was below the recreational water quality guidelines. An algal advisory sign is posted at Silver Beach Lake to let swimmers know that an algal bloom has been observed at this beach.
Algal blooms are difficult to predict. They may form and disperse quickly, or last for several days or weeks. Warm and calm weather coupled with relatively high nutrient loads provides ideal conditions for blue-green algae to develop.
People are reminded to avoid swimming in water where severe algal blooms are visible and to prevent pets from drinking water along the shoreline.
Up-to-date information on advisory signs posted at beaches is available online.
Swimmer’s itch advisory signs will remain posted for the summer at Moose Lake Provincial Park, Winnipeg Beach (Lake Winnipeg), Whytewold Beach (Lake Winnipeg) and Gull Lake.
Information on results of beach water quality testing, and swimmer and water safety is also available on the website.
