Health officials have closed several Metro Vancouver swimming beaches due to high levels of E. coli bacteria.
Vancouver Coastal Health says English Bay, Trout Lake, Locarno Beach and Sandy Beach on Bowen Island are closed to swimmers because water samples contained E. levels. coli that exceed the recommended guidelines.
Bathing beaches in Metro Vancouver may have to close when a single sample finds E. levels. coli greater than 400 per 100 milliliters of water or the geometric mean of five days of samples exceeds 200 E. coli per 100 milliliters.
According to Vancouver Coastal Health, E. coli recorded 1,607 per 100 milliliters in Locarno Beach and 1,785 per 100 milliliters in English Bay on Friday.
The health authority has said that a high count of E. coli can increase the chances of gastrointestinal diseases and infections of the skin or eyes. The elderly, children and people with a compromised immune system are the most susceptible.
Vancouver Metro beaches often close due to the E. coli in the summer. Vancouver Coastal Health says septic tank leaks and boat discharges and stormwater runoff after heavy rains are among the top contributors.
Most beaches are tested weekly.