Vancouver Coastal Health warns that Trout Lake in Vancouver's John Hendry Park has been closed for swimming due to high levels of E. coli in the water.
The regional health authority noted that the lake would not be suitable for swimming after a sample from the water came back showing 216 MPN/100mLs for E. coli. on Aug. 10. As a result, the lake has been closed for both swimming and wading until further notice.
VCH notes that, "the Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines recommends a level of ≤ 200 E. coli bacteria per 100 ml of water for primary contact recreational activities." When the water exceeds 200 E. coli bacteria per 100 ml, an assessment must be made to determine the possible health risks.
The Vancouver Park Board also mentioned the advisory in a tweet on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
Trout Lake in John Hendry Park is closed for swimming and wading due to high E. coli levels in the water. The closure will remain in place until @VCHhealthcare advises otherwise. For the latest water quality, visit https://t.co/ckszOgE4CD pic.twitter.com/Tc6KtpKWRX
— Vancouver Park Board (@ParkBoard) August 11, 2020
Vancouver's Sunset Beach also has an E. coli advisory and is therefore unsafe for public swimming.
VCH says high E. coli counts in recreational waters may increase the chances or gastrointestinal issues, upper respiratory illnesses, and skin and eye infection. It says the risk of getting sick is higher if people swallow water or otherwise get it in their nose, eyes, ears or an open wound.
Have a look at the VCH - beach water quality map to determine whether a body of water is safe for public swimming.
With files from the Canadian Press.
