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Update: Only three beaches affected by Shuswap Lake water quality warning

Local governments say water quality testing has not shown health concerns.
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According to the Adams Lake Indian Band, E Coli levels in Shuswap Lake near the Pierre’s Point, Sandy Point and Glen Echo campgrounds make water recreation hazardous. (Google maps Image)

An advisory issued by the Adams Lake Indian Band suggests E.Coli levels in Shuswap Lake make water recreation unsafe at three beaches northwest of Salmon Arm.

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The beach advisory, issued on July 20, stated water tests have found high E.Coli levels in the vicinity of Sandy Point Campground, Pierre’s Point Campground and Glen Echo Campground. It said swimming and other recreational activities that could bring people in contact with the water are unsafe at this time.

No advisories have been issued for the Canoe and Sunnybrae beaches across the bay from the affected area. A message posted to the City of Salmon Arm’s Facebook page states that Canoe Beach is not experiencing water quality issues and is safe for the public to enjoy.

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A notice from the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD) states that the water at the beach parks they manage in the south Shuswap is also safe for swimming. The notice states Interior Health conducts weekly water tests at Sandy Beach and Pebble Beach in Blind Bay as well as the public beach in Sunnybrae; they have not reported any concerns with water safety.

Elevated E.Coli levels, which have resulted in the closure of Shuswap beaches in previous years, have been attributed to large numbers of ducks and geese in the area and also human causes.

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@SalmonArm
jim.elliot@saobserver.net

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Jim Elliot

About the Author: Jim Elliot

I’m a B.C. transplant here in Whitehorse at The News telling stories about the Yukon's people, environment, and culture.
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