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 are above the guideline at Gimli Beach on Lake Winnipeg but have gradually decreased throughout the week. Gimli Beach will be re-sampled on Monday, July 27 and results will be posted on the department web site as soon as they are available.
On Lake Winnipeg, weather and lake level information appear to be good predictors of E. coli counts. E. coli counts tend to increase when strong northerly winds cause water levels to temporarily increase and large waves wash bacteria out of beach sand. When calmer weather returns, E. coli counts typically fall quickly to below guideline levels.
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 they are experiencing illness. On Lake Winnipeg, bathers should minimize water contact if lake levels are high and strong winds are blowing from the north.
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.
