An elevated E.coli level warning for Sandy Beach, a swimming area near the Snug Cove ferry terminal on Bowen Island was issued June 29.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) advised the public to not swim or wade in waters at that location as counts of that bacteria were recorded at 212 per 100 millilitres of water, over the recommended safe level of 200. According to the VCH website sample results between 200 and 235 indicate water quality issues. Such a level does not confirm that a site poses a public health risk, but that an investigation and resampling are required to determine if factors, such as weather conditions or wildlife populations have influenced the sample result. VCH's practice is to issue an update when the waters at a beach subject to a warning re-tests within guidance levels.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms. It can be deposited in open water via their feces and urine. Under certain conditions, it can grow in the aquatic environment.
Human exposure to water with higher than normal E.coli levels can result in illnesses such as diarrhea as well as urinary tract, skin or eye infections, with children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems most at risk of experiencing those health impacts, according to VCH.
Details on beach closures within VCH's service area, which include the lower Sunshine Coast, can be viewed on their website.
