Vancouver Coastal Health has deemed multiple Metro Vancouver beaches unsuitable for swimming due to elevated E. coli levels.
The advisories include English Bay, Kitsilano Beach, Second Beach, Sunset Beach and Third Beach in Vancouver, along with Trout Lake.
On the North Shore, Dundarave and Lions Bay Beach are also subject to advisories.
Under Canadian recreational water quality guidelines, swimming advisories are possible when officials find a single sample that exceeds 400 E. coli per 100 ml. of water, or a five-sample average exceeding 200 E.coli per 100 ml.
- 2 Canadians on hantavirus-infected cruise ship now in Ontario: officials
- Hantavirus risk is ‘low,’ WHO says as 30 more passengers being traced
- Vancouver recovery advocate returning honour to city over mayor, council’s actions
- Ants invade hospital in southern Manitoba for second time, cancelling surgeries
Sampling found E. coli levels in some cases at more than four times the guidelines.
Get weekly health news
Investigations are also underway at seven other beaches, including Jericho Beach and Ambleside Beach due to higher-than-expected sample results, though swimming isn’t restricted at this time.
E. coli is the same bacteria that can be found on vegetables or in beef. It is of particular concern for vulnerable populations, such as kids and seniors.
A major contributor to E. coli in the water comes from fecal matter, both human and animal.
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.