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 Sunset Beach (Lake Winnipeg) and on Lac du Bonnet. At both locations, the number of blue-green algal cells and the concentration of the algal toxin microcystin were below the guidelines.
Algal 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 provides ideal conditions for blue-green algae to develop.
Algal blooms are still present at Pelican Lake (Ninette and Pleasant Valley) this week. The number of blue-green algal cells and the concentration of the algal toxin microcystin both remained above the recreational water quality guideline on Aug. 13.
Algal toxin advisory signs remain posted at Ninette and Pleasant Valley on Pelican Lake. Drinking, swimming or other contact with the water is not recommended. Additional samples will be collected next week.
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 online.
