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Beach water advisories Beach water samples Algae blooms

Public Beaches

Learn how beach water is monitored and what the role of a Beach Safety Plan is.

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Beach water advisories

Many local governments monitor their beaches for physical hazards and sources of contamination. Beach water samples are collected to monitor the quality of the water and compare the results with the Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality. 

We recommend that beach operators have a Beach Safety Plan in place so they can respond quickly to extreme weather events and other problems. This can include posting warning signs if beach conditions are unsatisfactory. Read our Frequently Asked Questions for more information.

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Beach water samples

Water samples are tested for E. coli bacteria as this bacteria is commonly found in feces of warm blooded animals (including humans) and consuming this bacteria may cause illness.

Samples are classified as:

  • Satisfactory: Samples taken over a 30-day period contain an average of LESS THAN or EQUAL TO 200 E. coli bacteria/100ml.
  • Unsatisfactory: Samples taken over a 30-day period contain an average of MORE THAN 200 E. coli bacteria/100ml, and/or a series of single sample results EXCEED 400 E. coli bacteria/100ml.

Note: if a beach is not listed, it means the beach is not routinely sampled.

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Algae blooms

Algae are a natural part of the aquatic ecosystems of lakes in the B.C. interior. Prolific growth of Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) can produce several types of toxins that can be poisonous to people, pets or livestock. You can be exposed to cyanobacteria toxins by drinking water that contains a bloom, or by getting it on your skin during recreational activities. Always use caution when there is a bloom.

Monitoring

You can report an algae bloom observation on the provincial Algae Watch page. In partnership with local governments, algae blooms may be monitored and tested. We recommend that beach operators have a Beach Safety Plan in place, so they can respond quickly to extreme weather events and other problems that may arise.

Sampling & testing

We don’t routinely test water for algae or toxins. Algae blooms are variable and conditions can change rapidly. Test results only represent the specific sample location and time. 

Toxins may also consist of other toxins present in additional locations of the bloom that were not tested, or may only be produced at a later time. The amount can vary dramatically within the body of water and over time. If there is a bloom, always use caution.

Advisories

Beach water advisory for algae:

If you see a bloom:

  • Avoid any direct contact if possible. If contact is made, rinse your body with clean water
  • Avoid recreational activities, such as swimming
  • Consider using an alternate source for drinking water, if your water intake is from the body of water containing the bloom. Boiling the water will not remove any toxins. Contact your water supplier for more information. 
  • Consider providing pets and livestock with an alternative source of drinking water
     
Algae bloom notification types

Cautionary: Algae present; no testing conducted or testing has NOT identified toxins: 

  • Avoid any contact with water or recreational use is not advisable 
  • Consider an alternative drinking water source(s) 

Do Not Consume/Beach Closure: Testing identified toxins 

  • Beaches are closed: Stay out of the water
  • Do not consume the water: Use an alternative drinking water source; boiling the water will not remove any toxins

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