E.Coli levels have died down in Harrison Lagoon.
According to the most recent beach conditions report from Fraser Health posted on August 14, all Harrison Lake Beach locations have dropped to well within satisfactory levels.
Fraser Health lists acceptable levels of E. Coli bacteria at 400 bacteria per 100 millilitres. Based on single samples, Harrison Lake Beach at Rendall Park and Harrison Beach west of the Lagoon measured in at five bacteria per 100 millilitres. Harrison Lake Lagoon came in at 41 bacteria, which is still well within acceptable levels.
RELATED:E. Coli levels reach extreme levels in Harrison Lake Lagoon
At one point in late June, Harrison Lagoon’s levels reached 2100 bacteria per 100 millilitres, which is nearly six times more than a level considered to be acceptable.
The geometric mean levels, meaning an average of several weeks of readings, for all three areas was within 20 bacteria per 100 millilitres.
According to village utilities chief Tyler Simmonds, three samples are collected once a week from June to September and delivered to Fraser Health. Based on the results of testing, Fraser Health extends recommendations as necessary.
Harrison Lagoon is a particular problem area when it comes to E.Coli, which in the case of the Harrison water bodies, is typically sourced from feces of the Canada goose.
RELATED: Harrison officials carefully monitoring E.coli levels in lagoon
While there is always risk of contracting E. Coli when swimming in natural bodies of untreated water, beach-goers are at minimal risk so long as they don’t ingest the water, though immunocompromised individuals might be at greater risk of disease.
If you have been swimming in a recreational body of water recently and you experience nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, please seek medical attention as these are symptoms of E. Coli infection.
If you are feeling unwell or have developed symptoms of coronavirus, please stay home and away from crowded tourist attractions such as Harrison Lake.
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