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

Aug 11 2020, 8:00 pm

Vancouver Coastal Health is warning swimmers not to go in the water at Trout Lake due to high E. coli levels. 

Recent testing at the lake showed the water had too much E. coli bacteria in it for safe swimming.

On August 10, there were 1,700 E. coli per 100 millilitres of water, more than four times the recommended limit of 400 per 100 mL, according to VCH. 

The health authority says high levels of E. coli in the water increase the risk of swimmers developing gastrointestinal illnesses or getting skin and eye irritation.

Some events that increase E. Coli counts in Vancouver’s swimming areas include heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff that can transport animal waste, sewer overflow, and contamination from vehicles into the water. Leaking septic tanks and discharge from boats also harms water quality, according to VCH.

The health authority says high levels of E. coli in the water increase the risk of swimmers developing gastrointestinal illnesses or getting skin and eye irritation.

Some events that increase E. Coli counts in Vancouver’s swimming areas include heavy rainfall and stormwater runoff that can transport animal waste, sewer overflow, and contamination from vehicles into the water. Leaking septic tanks and discharge from boats also harms water quality, according to VCH.

The results are similar to Sunset Beach, which closed to swimmers due to elevated levels of E. Coli over the weekend. On August 8, there were 1,375 E. coli per 100 millilitres of water, more than three times the recommended limit.

Kitsilano Beach, Kitsilano Point, Second Beach, Third Beach, and English Bay are all still clean enough to swim in, according to VCH. 

DH Vancouver StaffDH Vancouver Staff

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