A water advisory has been posted for Okanagan Beach between the SS Sicamous and the Peach following a test conducted on June 29, 2021 that identified higher than normal levels of bacteria.
The test found 2000 colony-forming units of E. coli per 100 ml, which is more than 1600 higher than the acceptable amount.
The advisory has been posted to warn swimmers about the situation at Okanagan Lake Beach.
The possibility of illness increases with the bacteria level. Authorities do not believe anyone will become sick, but are still asking swimmers to take a number of precautions.
Swimmers are asked to avoid swallowing lake water, to wash their hands before handling food and to not swim with an open cut or if ill.
Under conditions where bacteria may be washed into the water from the shore, such as strong northern winds or if the lake level is high, authorities suggest not swimming.