Provincial data shows that the water quality at beaches in the Parkland region is acceptable for recreational use.
The province's water quality testing shows that the levels of E. coli found in the water at Sifton Beach, Rainbow Beach and Ochre Beach are well below the acceptable limit of 200 E. coli per 100 mL. Moreover, there are currently no algae blooms at these beaches.
This comes in contrast to the high E. coli levels and algae blooms found at other beaches in the province. The water at Oak Lake Beach — which is located in the Westman region — had an unacceptably high level of Cyanobacteria caused by an algae bloom, whereas Spruce Sands Beach on Lake Winnipeg had to be closed on July 19th and 20th due to extremely high E. coli levels caused by a sewage spill.
According to the Manitoba Environment, Climate and Parks website, E. coli itself does not generally cause illness, but when it is present in large numbers, the risk of becoming ill from other organisms is elevated. It also said that in the presence of an algae bloom, swimmers should not swim in the water, drink the water or eat fish from it that appear to be unhealthy. In addition, boiling or chlorinating the water will not make it safe.
More information on the water quality at Manitoba beaches can be found here.
