Two beaches in the Metro Vancouver region have been forced to close due to high levels of E. coli bacteria.
Vancouver’s Trout Lake and Burnaby’s Barnet Marine Park have both exceeded bacteria levels that are considered safe for the public and isn’t suitable for swimming.
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Levels at Trout Lake were measured at 259 E. coli per 100 ml of water. A level of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water is generally considered safe for swimming according to Vancouver Coastal Health.
The issue of E. coli in our waters poses an increased risk to children and seniors.
It’s a public matter that should be taken seriously and the risk of getting gastrointestinal illness is a reality.
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False Creek E. Coli Levels
The pollution levels in Vancouver’s False Creek are also well over being safe to swim in. In fact, it’s nearly four times safe levels.
A level of 200 E. coli per 100 ml of water is generally considered safe for swimming; False Creek’s water’s registered at 776.
Shockingly, nearly 674,000 cubic metres of raw sewage dumped into the creek from one sewer overflow alone.