REGINA – Officials are advising everyone to stay off and out of lakes that have been flooded.
The Saskatchewan ministry of health has found high levels of E.coli in Last Mountain, Echo, Pasqua and Katepwa lakes. More testing is being done on other lakes, but the ministry expects similar results from any lake that has experienced flooding this season.
“It is recommended that residents avoid flood waters at this time, including refraining from water contact sports and taking care not to drink or bathe in the water,” said Tim Macaulay, director of environmental health.
If you suffer from vomiting, nausea, diarrhea or stomach cramps after recreational water activities you should contact your doctor immediately.
The flooding has also covered many beaches in the province with debris.
Emergency officials say aerial shots of our lakes are showing a lot of litter. In some cases the debris is just beneath the surface and could be hard to see, especially if you’re in a boat.
“We’re not closing the lakes,” said Dwayne McKay, the province’s emergency commissioner.
“We’re telling people that the impacts are damage to you, possible injury, and certainly damage along the shores where people are still working to save their properties.”
This general advisory will remain in effect until flood water recede, an water quality has improved.