4 Metro Vancouver beaches closed to swimming due to high E. coli counts

Health officials have closed a number of Metro Vancouverswimming beachesdue to high levels of E. colibacteria.

Vancouver Coastal Health says English Bay, Trout Lake,Locarno Beach andSandy Beach on Bowen Islandare closed to swimmersbecause water samples contained E. coli levels that exceedrecommended guidelines.

Swimming beaches in Metro Vancouver may be required to close when a single sample finds E. coli levels exceeding 400 in 100 millilitres ofwateror the geometric mean of five days of samplessurpasses 200 E. coli in 100 millilitres.

According to Vancouver Coastal Health,E. coliclocked inat1,607 per 100 millilitres at Locarno Beach and1,785 per 100 millilitres at English Bay on Friday.

The health authority has said high counts of E. coli can increase the chances of gastrointestinal illnesses and skin or eye infections. Seniors, children and people with compromised immune systems are most susceptible.

Metro Vancouver's beaches are frequently closed due to E. coli in the summer. Vancouver Coastal Health says leaking septic tanks and discharge from boats and storm water runoff after heavy rains are amongthe lead contributors.

Most beaches are tested weekly.