Beach Water Quality

For public protection and enjoyment, water is tested by the RDCK at Taghum Beach Regional Park for the presence of Fecal Coliforms during the summer season (June-September).

The maximum allowable number of E. coli bacteria in recreational water is 200 per 100-millilitre sample. When this limit is exceeded a Swim Advisory (Water Quality Notice) will be issued by the RDCK. This notifies the public that bacterial levels are higher than those allowed in the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality.

A swimmer's risk of infection is directly related to bacterial counts in the water. When avereage E. coli counts reach 200 units per 100 millilitre sample, it’s expected that one per cent of bathers may develop gastrointestinal illness (GI) if these bacteria are ingested. For every one GI illness, two to three other illnesses - skin rashes (swimmer’s itch excluded) and eye, ear and throat symptoms - can be expected. The very young, the elderly and people with weakened immunity are the most susceptible to these illnesses.

Once testing shows bacteria levels have returned to acceptable levels the Swim Advisory will be lifted and the signage removed.

Current Conditions

To view the most current reports on Taghum Beach water quality, please see the attached files.

Protect Yourself

• Avoid swallowing lake water
• Avoid swimming with an open cut or wound
• Avoid swimming for 24-hours after a significant rainfall
• Wash your hands before handling food

Protect the Beach

• Don’t feed the birds
• Keep your pet on a leash
• Don’t litter or discard food on the beach
• Change diapered children in the bathroom frequently, not at the beach
• Dispose of boat sewage in onshore sanitary facilities
• Stay away from the water if you are experiencing digestive or intestinal problems
• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet or after changing diapers
• Call 1-800 268-7325 if you see something that needs our attention
• Never bury waste in beach sand

Understanding Beach Water Quality

• Disease-causing microorganisms in water include bacteria, viruses and parasites (e.g. Giardia and Cryptosporidium). These organisms can be discharged directly to water bodies or transported with surface runoff. Sources are numerous and include discharge of untreated sewage, runoff from agricultural activities and waste from waterfowl and other animals (wild or domestic). Fertilizers, pesticides, and garbage can also contaminate beach water.

• Beach water quality is typically poorer in the summer due to warmer water temperatures and higher numbers of people on or around the beach. Contamination is also more likely to increase during and after rainstorms.

• Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) belongs to a group of bacteria called fecal coliforms that originate in the digestive tract of warm-blooded animals.

For more information visit the Interior Health website

Beach Water Quality

Interior Health Report - July 2011 (14.3 kB)   Sample Results - August 2011 (29.7 kB)