St. Malo Beach is back to regular levels of bacteria after a brief spike earlier this month, and a swimming advisory that was in place has been lifted.
The Manitoba government sets a recreational water quality guideline of 200 E. coli per 100mL of water. On July 2, St. Malo Beach tested at 315 E. coli per sample, with levels increasing to 404 on July 7.
However, on July 8, the count dropped to 139, which meant the beach was technically safe to swim at—though still under advisory.
As of July 9, levels plummeted to just 27 E. coli per 100mL sample, prompting the province to lift the advisory.
What is E. Coli, and why does it matter?
"E. coli is a bacteria found in large numbers in all warm-blooded animals including humans, livestock, wildlife, and birds," the province says, adding there are high numbers of it in the environment.
That includes in wet beach sand, which can be washed into lakes during windy weather and contribute to the amount of the bacteria in lakes like St. Malo's.
They can also find their way to water because of runoff from "park, urban, and agricultural lands, malfunctioning wastewater treatment systems, and by wildlife and birds," Manitoba says.
It adds that exposure to high concentrations of the bacteria can lead to illnesses like eye, ear, nose, or throat infections, and can cause upset stomachs.
That's why 57 beaches across Manitoba are regularly monitored for bacteria levels from June through August.
Tips for safe swimming
While St. Malo Beach is safe for swimming, the province says an advisory sign will remain up for the rest of the season as a general reminder to swim smart.
It encourages taking precautions, including not swallowing lake water, washing hands before handling food, avoiding swimming with an open cut or wound, and not swimming while feeling unwell.
Beachgoers are also asked to contribute to the wellbeing of others using the area by practicing several hygiene tips, such as not feeding shore birds, not littering, picking up after pets, not burying waste in the sand, and changing diapered children frequently.
To stay updated on water quality at St. Malo Beach, or any other Manitoba beach, visit the province’s website at gov.mb.ca.