More Vancouver beaches close for swimming as E. coli levels see massive spike
The first weekend of summer is just around the corner, but those hoping to celebrate by taking a dip in the water at one of the many Vancouver beaches are out of luck.
The regional health authority is warning swimmers not to go in the water at five local beaches due to high E. coli levels.
According to the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Summer Beach Water Quality Website, two of the Vancouver beaches have more than four times the recommended limit for E. coli.
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“Please be advised that the following beaches currently have a ‘Not suitable for swimming’ advisory,” warned VCH in a post on social media. “Swimming in these waters could make you sick.”
The Vancouver beaches under advisory include:
- English Bay
- Kits Point
- Sunset Beach
- Third Beach
- Trout Lake
Vancouver Coastal Health
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.
Several other local swimming spots are under investigation due to having higher-than-expected sample results, though taking a plunge is not restricted at those locations at this time.
They include Lions Bay, Second Beach, and Locarno Beach.
According to Metro Vancouver, beach water quality is tested at least once a week from May through September.
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“Water samples are analyzed at Metro Vancouver’s Quality Control Laboratory, and results are sent to local health authorities and beach operators,” said the regional district online.
“E.coli bacteria is an indicator of fecal contamination. Testing for E.coli is used to determine whether water is safe for swimming and other recreational activities.”
VCH also posted that there are several possible causes for higher bacteria levels in local waters, including birds and animals, sewage overflows, and waste from boats.
Daniel Chai/Daily Hive
“Teams are working to find where the contamination is coming from,” added the health authority. “Water sampling and other information will help us make ongoing decisions about beach water quality.
“The ‘Not suitable for swimming’ advisory will remain in place until follow-up sampling confirms that the water quality is within guideline values.”