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 briefly above the guideline at Winnipeg and Patricia beaches on Aug. 30, but quickly returned to below the guideline by Sept. 1.
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.
The number of blue-green algae cells was above the recreational water quality guideline at Pelican Lake (north and south beaches) on Aug. 30, but the concentration of an algae toxin, microcystin-LR, was below the recreational water quality guideline at both locations.
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 you can do to help protect beaches by following the water-smart precautions listed on the website.
