Water testing this week has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were within recreational water quality objectives at most beaches monitored by Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship.
E. coli counts were briefly above the guideline at Grindstone, Hnausa, Gimli, Winnipeg Beach and Patricia beaches (Lake Winnipeg) on June 29, but quickly returned below the guideline by July 2.
Bathers are advised to avoid swallowing lake water, wash their hands before handling food, and avoid swimming with an open cut or wound, or if experiencing illness.
Algal blooms were observed and sampled this past week on Dauphin Lake at Christensen Beach. The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline, but the concentration of algal toxin was below the recreational guideline. First-level algal advisory signs were posted this week at Christensen Beach on Dauphin Lake.
An algal bloom was also observed and sampled this past week on Shoal Lake in western Manitoba. The number of blue-green algae cells and concentration of algal toxin were both below the recreational water quality guidelines.
Algal blooms were also sampled from Oak Lake at the marina and on Lake Wahtopanah (Rivers Reservoir). Results are not yet available but will be posted on the department website as soon as they are available.
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 provide 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 where algal blooms are present.
Home and cottage owners who use lake water as a source for drinking water should be aware that most small treatment systems are unable to remove algal toxins. Therefore, where blue-green algal blooms are present, avoid drinking the water or using it for other domestic purposes. In addition, since infants consume more water relative to body weight, parents may wish to use an alternate drinking water source (e.g. bottled water) for preparing infant formula during the summer months if their lake is prone to blue-green algal blooms.
Information on beach water quality results, advisory signs posted at beaches, and swimmer and water safety is available online.
