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.
Algal blooms were reported at Hillside Beach on Lake Winnipeg on Aug. 9. Algae samples were collected on Aug. 10 and the number of blue-green algae cells and the concentration of the algal toxin microcystin were below the recreational water quality 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 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 at www.manitoba.ca/beaches.
