Manitoba Water Stewardship advises testing has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were within recreational water quality guidelines at most beaches monitored this week by the department.
Escherichia coli counts were above the guideline at Gimli Beach on Aug. 25, but quickly returned to within acceptable levels by Aug. 26.
On Lake Winnipeg, weather and lake level information appear to be good predictors of E. coli levels. Bacteria 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 bacteria levels typically fall quickly to below guideline levels.
No new algal blooms – were reported from Manitoba beaches this week. Algae blooms often appear in Manitoba lakes at this time of the year and can last until mid-September. The formation of algae blooms is difficult to predict, however, warm and calm weather coupled with relatively high nutrient loads create ideal conditions for their development. Swimmers are reminded to avoid swimming in water if severe algae blooms are visible.
Each summer, Manitoba Water Stewardship routinely monitors about 60 beaches in Manitoba. Results for all beaches across Manitoba are posted as they become available on the department’s website.
