Testing has shown that levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli) were within recreational water quality guidelines at most beaches monitored this week by Manitoba Water Stewardship.
Escherichia coli counts were above the guideline at Winnipeg Beach, Sunset Beach and Gull Harbour Beach on August 3. All three beaches were re-sampled yesterday and results will be available on the website this evening.
Exceedance of the guideline of 200 E. coli/100 ml at some beaches on Lake Winnipeg over the past week was likely caused by local weather conditions that caused increases in water levels and winds and waves to wash bacteria out of the sand and into the bathing water.
The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline this week at West Grand, Victoria, Lester and Sunset beaches but the concentration of an algae toxin, microcystin-LR, was below the recreational water quality guideline. Algae advisory signs are posted at all four beaches.
Algae 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.
Bathers are reminded to avoid swimming in water where severe algae blooms are visible and to prevent pets from drinking water along the shoreline.
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 can be done do to help protect beaches by following the water-smart precautions listed on the website.
