With the unofficial end of summer, the Labour Day long weekend approaching, many are looking forward to heading out to the local lakes. With this in mind, the Saskatchewan Health Authority is reminding the public about its program designed to keep swimmers safe. The provincial Healthy Beaches Program routinely monitors water quality at selected public beaches, including Nickle Lake just outside of Weyburn.
For those planning a trip to Nickle Lake, the most recent tests show the water quality is well within the acceptable boundaries for recreational use.
According to the SHA, the program tests for E. coli bacteria, as increased levels can pose health risks to swimmers, including gastrointestinal illnesses. When bacteria concentrations exceed the recommended safe levels, a public health advisory is issued to alert the public and reduce the risk of illness.
The SHA notes that lakes are open, natural systems where bacteria levels can fluctuate. Contamination from agricultural or surface runoff, wildlife, and weather can cause temporary spikes.
If an advisory is issued for a beach, the area is typically resampled within a week. These advisories are then lifted as soon as testing confirms the E. coli levels have returned to an acceptable range.
Residents can stay informed about the water quality at their favourite swimming spots by visiting the Healthy Beaches Program webpage on the Government of Saskatchewan website. The page features an interactive map with current and historical sampling results for all monitored beaches.
For any specific health concerns related to a particular beach, the public is encouraged to contact their local Public Health Inspector.