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E.Coli Bacterial Bloom Forces 3 Major Vancouver Beaches To Close

vancouver weather / E.Coli

Photo: Vick Sahota / 604 Now Flickr Pool

Vancouverities will have to exercise caution when heading to the beach again.

Vancouver Coastal Health issued another E.Coli warning after a bacterial bloom was detected at 3 major beaches.

As a result, Jericho Beach, English Bay, and Sunset Beach are closed for swimming and wading. In addition, Trout Lake on Commercial Drive is still closed for swimming; it has been closed since July.

The warning was issued Saturday, August 11th when the water reached dangerous levels of toxins. Specifically,  after it exceeded a level of more than 200 E. coli bacteria per 100 ml of water.

RELATED: Almost 674,000 Cubic Metres Of Raw Sewage Dumped In False Creek Last Year

E.Coli Warning

Earlier this month, 6 Vancouver beaches closed as a result of the bacteria. While beaches remain open for other activities, it is strongly recommended not to attempt going in the water.

Warmer weather causes bacteria to multiply and therefore may increase E.Coli counts. In addition, it may also come from many sources including: agricultural run-off, goose and dog droppings washing into the water, and pleasure boats discharging their sewage directly into the ocean.

The VCH is working to monitor the water quality. As such, they will remove the swimming advisory once the levels have decreased.

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