FRANCAIS

July 23, 2004

·         Over the past week, elevated levels of E. coli bacteria have been observed periodically at a number of beaches in the south basin of Lake Winnipeg.

·         East Grand Beach, Winnipeg Beach and Gimli Beach have had several samples above 200 E. coli /100ml this week. West Grand Beach had one elevated sample. Occasionally, other south basin beaches have exceeded the 200 E. coli / 100ml guideline on isolated days this summer.

·         Although the majority of swimmers will not become ill, the possibility of illness increases with rising counts. The most common health risks that can occur are gastrointestinal illnesses, such as diarrhea, upper respiratory tract, eye, ear, nose or throat infections and skin ailments.

·         Previous experience with beaches in the Lake Winnipeg south basin has shown that elevated levels often occur for very short periods of time and then return below guideline thresholds.

·         Based upon intensive monitoring done this summer, weather and lake level information appear to be relatively predictive of higher E. coli counts. Winds from the north and high water levels are associated with higher E. coli counts. Weather patterns and wind direction for this weekend are not expected to produce high counts.

·         Monitoring of the lake is ongoing. At this time, members of the public who swim or have recreational contact with lake water at the Lake Winnipeg south basin beaches are advised to:  avoid swallowing lake water when playing or swimming; wash your hands before handling food; stay away from the water if you are experiencing digestive or intestinal problems; reduce exposure to the lake water if water levels are high and the wind is coming from the north.

·         Manitobans can help the conditions that lead to increased levels of E. coli by:  not leaving litter on the beach; not discarding food on the beach; changing diapered children often and disposing of the diaper properly; and not allowing pets on the beach.

·         Each year, between 20 and 40 major beaches are monitored using internationally recognized protocols. Multiple samples are collected from each beach. Included are the major beaches on Lake Winnipeg, in the Whiteshell Provincial Park, and in the south, central and western regions.

·         Manitoba Water Stewardship will continue to monitor the situation with frequent testing. Lab results are available on the Water Stewardship website:  http://www.manitoba.ca/lakewinnipeg.

·         Further information on E. coli can be obtained through Health Links-Info Santé at 788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.

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