Testing has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E. coli) were within the recreational water quality guideline at most beaches monitored this week by Manitoba Water Stewardship.
Escherichia coli counts were above the guideline at West Grand beach on July 2 but returned to within the guideline by July 5. E. coli counts were also above the guideline at Sandy Bar and Sunset beaches on July 5 but counts at both beaches quickly fell below the guideline by July 7. Exceedance of the guideline of 200 E. coli/100 ml was likely caused by the weather conditions that caused winds and waves to wash bacteria out of the sand and into the bathing water.
An algal bloom was reported at Killarney Lake on July 6. The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline at Killarney Lake beach but the concentration of the algae toxin microcystin-LR was below the recreational water quality guideline.
It is difficult to predict when algae blooms may appear. Warm and calm weather coupled with relatively high nutrient loads provide ideal conditions for blue-green algae to develop. Algae blooms often appear in Manitoba lakes during July and can last until mid-September. Since algae blooms can reoccur during periods of warm and calm weather, bathers are reminded to avoid swimming in water where severe algae blooms are visible.
Results for all beaches across Manitoba are posted as they become available on Manitoba Water Stewardship’s website.
Visit the Manitoba beaches website for information on swimmer and water safety, and what you can do to help protect beaches by following the water-smart precautions listed on the website.
