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Back grounder • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Escherichia coli Extensive sampling for E. coli in beach sand and water on Lake Winnipeg is underway again this year and follows similar work completed each year since 2003. Research has shown that wet sand underlying a number of Lake Winnipeg beaches contains E. coli bacteria that can be washed into swimming water when water levels rise and flood beaches. Advanced testing known as DNA ribotyping is being used to identify sources of contamination. Results over the last several years indicate that approximately 63 per cent is due to animals and five per cent arises from humans. Approximately 30 per cent of the results cannot be attributed to a particular source. Of the animal component, the greatest identifiable source can be attributed to shorebirds and geese. Advisory signs have been posted at Sandy Bar, Spruce Sands, Gimli, East Grand, Patricia and Sunset beaches. Although the risk of illness is small, advisory signs help to remind bathers of additional precautions they can follow to reduce the risk of bather-related illness at beaches where E. coli levels fluctuate regularly. Since bacteria levels can fluctuate at these beaches, the advisory signs will remain posted for the duration of the summer. Protect The Beach - Protect Yourself The following beach hygiene tips will help keep Manitoba beaches clean: - Don’t feed the shore birds. Gulls can quickly become accustomed to eating and residing on the beach. - Don’t litter or discard food on the beach. Dispose of trash in proper receptacles. - Clean up after your pets. Pets are not allowed on provincial park beaches and on most beaches in rural municipalities. - Change diapered children frequently and away from the water’s edge. - Never bury waste in the sand. Most swimmers will not become ill when E. coli bacteria levels are elevated above the recreational water quality guideline. However, the possibility of illness increases with rising levels of bacteria. Manitobans can safely enjoy the province’s beaches and are advised to keep a few things in mind when at the beach: - avoid swimming with an open cut or wound, or if you’re experiencing illness; - stay away from the water if you are experiencing digestive or intestinal problems; . . ./2 -2- avoid swallowing lake water when playing or swimming; - wash your hands before handling food; and - on Lake Winnipeg, reduce exposure to the lake water if water levels are high and the wind is coming from the north. Algae Algae are a sign of a healthy lake since they provide food and oxygen for many aquatic life forms. However, too much algae will form floating clumps or scum and can cause waterquality problems for drinking water and recreation. During bloom conditions, the water sometimes looks like thick pea soup and may emit a strong, unpleasant odour. Algae blooms can produce toxins that can be harmful to the liver or nervous system if large amounts of water are swallowed. Drinking water containing algae can also cause an upset stomach and diarrhea, and external exposure to algae blooms has been reported to cause skin irritation. Algae advisory signs have been posted on Killarney Lake beach, at the Red Cross dock at Victoria Beach, and at Rock Lake at the Christian Camp beach and at the main beach. Manitobans are reminded that in the absence of a severe algal bloom, recreational activities are considered safe. However, if large amounts of green scum are visible in the water, it is advisable to: - avoid swimming or other contact with the water; - not drink the water – boiling or chlorination will not make the water safe; - prevent pets and livestock from drinking along the shoreline; and - do not to eat fish from the lake that appear unhealthy. Lake Winnipeg Health Protecting and improving water quality and the health of Lake Winnipeg is the focus of a number of initiatives underway across the province. Work continues to reduce nutrient loads to Lake Winnipeg and to meet the targets of the Lake Winnipeg Action Plan including requirements for advanced waste-water treatment, new regulations for septic fields, supporting the establishment and maintenance of riparian and wetland areas, and working with upstream jurisdictions and stakeholders across the watershed. In addition, the proposed Nutrient Management Regulation under the Water Protection Act will manage nutrient application to land from sources including synthetic fertilizers, manure and municipal waste-water sludge. An education campaign is currently underway to encourage the use of phosphorus-free cleaning products and to reduce the use of cosmetic lawn fertilizers. . . ./3 -3 The work of the Lake Winnipeg Stewardship Board, formed in July 2003 to assist government achieve its commitments in the Lake Winnipeg Action Plan, is also continuing. The board’s two reports to government contained comprehensive and significant recommendations on short-, medium- and long-term actions to protect Lake Winnipeg. Many of these recommendations were accepted in principle and implementation is underway. Manitoba Water Stewardship also continues to work co-operatively with scientists from the federal government, universities and the Lake Winnipeg Research Consortium to fund and undertake research on Lake Winnipeg. Monitoring and research continues this summer on the science vessel the Namao to improve the understanding of nutrient and algae dynamics. BEACH SAFETY There are many things you can do to be responsible in and around water. Watch your children at all times. Never leave them alone in or near water. Ensure that you and your group know how to swim. It’s the best way to stay safe in and around water. Swim only in the designated swimming areas. Know your swimming limitations and stay within them. Don’t try to keep up with more experienced or stronger swimmers. Don’t bring inflatables to the beach. Wind can blow them into the water where children tend to follow. Always check water depth before diving. Never swim alone. Use the buddy system. Always swim with a friend and watch out for each other. Don’t consume alcohol before or while swimming. Alcohol impairs your abilities and judgment. Learn lifesaving and first aid skills so you can help yourself and others. Weaker swimmers and young children should wear a properly-sized life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD). By taking responsibility and following these water-smart precautions, Manitobans can safely enjoy the province’s beaches. DOC: Beach Update Aug 3.WS Contact: Paul/Charlie