Environment
C’mon in, the water’s fine!
Fred Henne Territorial Park's precautionary swimming ban is sunk; new test results show water is safe
Swimming restrictions at the main beach area of Fred Henne Territorial Park are now lifted, as follow-up testing indicated safe levels of bacteria, says the GNWT.
Samples taken on July 2nd and July 3rd, showing 3.1 and 4.1 MPN/100 mL of E. coli levels — well under Health Canada guidelines for recreational water quality, stated a Saturday night release. This after samples taken at the main beach area on June 25, returned results of 1,050 to 1,410 MPN/100 mL of E coli.
Guidelines for Canadian recreational water quality by Health Canada suggest action should be taken if levels exceed 235 MPN/100 mL, read the release.
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- Fred Henne Territorial Park and intersection of Highway 3 and Old Airport Road. (Image: FIRMS/NASA)
So, when the samples were returned on July 2, the GNWT added swimming restrictions as a precautionary measure while follow-up testing occurred. Sampling and testing will continue daily for one week, as we continue monitoring levels.
The GNWT’s Chief Environmental Health Officer recommended today that the beach could be re-opened.
E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals, say national public health officials.
While most strains are harmless and help digest food, some harmful strains can produce toxins or get into the wrong places, causing illnesses like food poisoning or urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Symptoms include severe stomach cramps and typically start one to four days after exposure and can last up to a week. Most cases resolve on their own with plenty of rest and fluids.
