Swimming in Calgary's Elbow River off limits due to fecal coliforms

Bad news Calgary Stampedegoers – if you fancy a swim in the Elbow River, now is not the time.

Alberta Health Services is advising against swimming or wading in the river due to higher levels of fecal coliforms that could give you skin, ear and eye infections.

It is also not recommended that you drink the river water – as organisms in the water and the fecal coliforms could cause vomiting or diarrhea.

The advisory applies to the area of the Elbow River within the city of Calgary, between 25 Avenue SW and 9 Avenue SE.

The increased levels of fecal coliforms were found during routine testing of the river; Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water.