Trout Lake closed to swimmers due to dangerously high E.coli levels

Trout Lake closed to swimmers due to high E.coli levels

If you’re looking to take an outdoor swim, be sure to avoid Trout Lake.

According to the Vancouver Park Board, swimming and wading in Trout Lake are currently prohibited due to high E.coli levels.

“The current E.coli levels exceed the healthy threshold, and the closure will remain in place until VCH advises otherwise,” said the Park Board, in a tweet.

Attention: Trout Lake is now closed to swimming and wading by order of @VCHhealthcare. The current e-coli levels exceed the healthy threshold, and the closure will remain in place until VCH advises otherwise. More info: https://t.co/uQEQn3Z3sE #Vancouver pic.twitter.com/YszB0MUzth

— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) July 19, 2018

The Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines recommend a level of less than 200 E.coli bacteria per 100 mL of water for swimming.

According to the latest Metro Vancouver Beach Water Quality Report released on June 28, Trout Lake’s E.coli level was at 200.

However, that amount has likely exceeded to levels that are now unsafe for swimming.

Trout Lake isn’t the only location that high of the bacteria.

The latest E.coli readings for the easternmost area of False Creek show that its level is at 1,304 E.coli per 100 mL – more than six times the maximum acceptable amount.

Anyone who enters the water at Trout Lake or False Creek is urged to wash their hands and shower immediately. Symptoms of E.coli sickness include bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever.

With files from Kenneth Chan.

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