3 swimming spots in Saint John, Quispamsis reopen following elevated E. coli levels

Three popular swimming spots in the greater Saint John area have reopened after being shut down last week because of elevated E. coli levels.

Lily Lake and Tucker Park in Saint John and Gondola Point Beach in Quispamsis, N.B., all reopened for swimming Monday after subsequent testing indicated "water quality has returned to normal levels," said Department of Health spokesperson Sean Hatchard.

CBC News asked what the elevated readings were and how they compare to set guidelines, but Hatchard did not respond.

"It is common to find low levels of E. coli and enterococcus bacteria in any surface water and it is normal for levels to fluctuate," he said in an emailed statement.

Asked about possible causes of the elevated levels, Hatchard suggested recent heavy rainfall could be to blame.

Swimming in waters with higher than normal bacteria levels does not mean that you will get sick, but it increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness.- Sean Hatchard, Department of Health

"Bacteria sometimes make their way to beaches due to a combination of environmental and meteorological conditions," he said.

"Possible sources include surface water run-off from agriculture and urban areas, sewage system overflows, birds, wild and domesticated animals, and faecal shedding from swimmers themselves."

"Swimming in waters with higher than normal bacteria levels does not mean that you will get sick," he noted, "but it increases the risk of gastrointestinal illness beyond every day levels."

'High sample'

Last Thursday, the City of Saint John issued a news release, advising the public that Lily Lake and Tucker Park had been temporarily closed for swimming "due to a recent test conducted by Public Health, indicating a high sample of E. coli bacteria."

The same day, the Town of Quispamsis notified the public through social media that Gondola Point Beach would be closed for swimming until further notice "after routine water samples collected this week by the NB Dept. of Health showed elevated levels of E. coli.

"Residents and visitors are advised to keep people and pets away from the water," it said.

Warning signs were posted at the three locations and lifeguards remained in place at Lily Lake to advise the public and ensure the safety of visitors.

On Monday morning, Saint John issued another news release, saying Public Health had advised both city sites were once again "safe for swimming."

"The City will continue to provide updates to the public if and when required," it said.

Quispamsis also announced Monday morning that Gondola Point Beach had reopened for swimming. "We appreciate your patience," it said on social media.

Regardless of recreational water quality, the Department of Health recommends people always check the water and avoid areas with visible debris and odours, said Hatchard.

Additional precautions, he said, include:

• Do not swallow the water.
• Do not enter the water with open cuts or sores.
• Always wash your hands before eating.
• Bathe or shower after being in recreational waters.