Water quality report ranks Metro Vancouver beaches
Posted July 17, 2018 8:59 pm.
Last Updated July 17, 2018 10:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
METRO VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – The latest heat wave may have you running to the water, but it turns out some of Metro Vancouver beaches could leave you running for the bathroom.
This comes after Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) tested the water at multiple beaches across the region for E. coli.
“It’s basically an indication of fecal contamination,” said Randy Ash with VCH. “Which would indicate that there’s risk of other enteric pathogens so like, things that would give you gastroenteritis.”
Enteric pathogens are bacteria that affect the intestine and can make you sick.
Anything with a higher level than 200 E. coli bacteria per 100ml of water is considered unsafe, which is why you may want to avoid False Creek for now.
According to a report by VCH, E. coli counts at False Creek East are six times higher than what’s considered safe, at 1,304.
Trout Lake was right at the limit at 200.
If E. coli counts are high, the Medical Health Officer will make an assessment to determine the possible health risk. Municipalities may also be forced to post a “no swimming” sign.
But Ash says there are some things you can do to prevent getting sick, “…shower after you leave the water, another would be to wash your hands before you eat.”
Sandy Cove in West Vancouver passed with flying colours with a count of 13. Spanish Banks, Third Beach and Deep Cove weren’t far behind.
