Swimmers are advised to stay out of the water at Deep Cove after high E. coli counts were recorded Thursday. Photo: Mike Wakefield, North Shore News
Deep Cove beachgoers are advised to stay dry this weekend after E. coli counts spiked Thursday.
Vancouver Coastal Health recorded bacteria counts ranging from 2,489 to 5,475 per 100 millilitres of water in tests at four stations.
Swimming advisories can go into effect when E. coli bacteria counts exceed 200 per 100 ml.
Results from Friday’s water quality test are set to be posted Saturday at vch.ca.
E. coli is linked to gastrointestinal illnesses as well as skin and eye infections. The increase in bacteria can be caused by sewer overflows, discharges from boats, animal waste and contamination from recreational vehicles.
District of North Vancouver council is slated to hold a meeting this fall to address residents’ concerns about raw sewage being pumped into the water.
