The City of Langford is discouraging water activities at Glen View Park after Island Health recorded a high E. coli count at the beach.
The park is on Glen Lake, though Glen Lake South tested with acceptable levels the same day.
On July 5, the Glen View Park in Langford beach tested with 600 E. coli per 100 ml of water, which is higher than the level of 400 E. coli per 100 ml which is the point where Island Health says it recommends beach advisories.
As a result, Langford has issued an advisory saying that water activities are not advised.
Island Health says the advisory is lifted once the average sample falls below 200 E. coli or two consecutive sample results are below 400 E. coli.
On the same day, Glen Lake South, which is another beach on the same lake, tested at less than five E. coli per 100 ml of water.
Island Health’s water sample history page for the beach shows the water is tested once a week starting at the end of May until the end of August.
According to Health Canada, higher E. coli concentrations in fresh waters increase incidences of “swimming-associated gastrointestinal illness.”
Laura Brougham
