Health officials are warning people not to enter the water at one of West Vancouver’s most popular swimming destinations.
Signs went up at Ambleside Beach on Saturday, stating that the water is not suitable for swimming.
That’s because recent water sampling done by Vancouver Coastal Health has indicated high levels of E. coli.
Data from the health authority also showed a spike in unhealthy levels of the bacteria at Eagle Harbour.
High numbers of E. coli in the water at public beaches indicate contamination with feces and the potential presence of harmful microorganisms in the water, said Carrie Gadsby, spokesperson for West Vancouver.
“They will be testing the water at Ambleside beach again on Tuesday, and we expect to have results by Wednesday,” she said.
According to Health Canada guidelines, single-sample maximums for water quality should be less than 400 E. coli per 100 millilitres.
Samples taken Friday (June 21) show levels of 860 and 464 at testing locations west of the concessions at Ambleside Beach. At Eagle Harbour, the number was 683.
But the average values are still within acceptable limits – less than 200 – at Ambleside (29) and Eagle Harbour (43). Gadsby added that more recent sampling indicates the levels have since dropped at Eagle Harbour.
“The single-sample limit will alert us to any immediate water quality issues, whereas the geometric mean limit will highlight possible chronic contamination problems,” reads guidance from Vancouver Coastal Health.
“Feces in water can make people ill or cause infections, from swimming or playing in the water,” according to the health authority.
Recent E. coli levels have also been high at Second Beach, Third Beach and Jericho in Vancouver.
