Latest news with #fecalbacteria
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Water quality advisory updated for Sturgeon River: AHS
An Alberta Health Services sign can be seen in this undated file photo. (File) Alberta Health Services (AHS) lifted the water quality advisory in some parts of St. Albert's Sturgeon River due to fecal bacteria in the water, but are still advising people to steer clear of the Rivercrest area near Benoit Bridge. Previously, a warning was issued for the area of the river northeast of the Ray Gibbon Drive bridge due to run-off that entered the river after a pipeline carrying wastewater started leaking. In a release Monday, AHS said that 'ongoing' water sample results now indicate that the effects of the wastewater runoff have 'dissipated.' Rivercrest, they said, is still not in the clear, with elevated levels of fecal bacteria. AHS is reminding visitors to the Sturgeon River: Do not consume fish from the river or use river water for consumption, even if it's been treated. Do not swim or wade (or let pets swim or wade) at the area of the river that's still under advisory. In general, AHS said swimming recreationally in rivers 'in general is not recommended.' Anyone using boats, kayaks or canoes should avoid as much contact with river water as possible, rinse off after any recreational activity and wash hands thoroughly afterwards. AHS said at the level of fecal bacteria still in parts of the Sturgeon River, gastrointestinal illness after ingesting the water is likely. There's also, it said, the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections. AHS Public Health Inspectors are monitoring the situation. Anyone with concerns about their health should call Health Link at 811 or speak with a family doctor. Anyone with concerns about this advisory in particular should reach out to the Environmental Public Health team or call them at 1-833-476-4743. With files from CTV News Calgary's Stephen Hunt
Yahoo
13-07-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
5 North Carolina river sites fail fecal bacteria testing; warning at coast for Portuguese man o' war
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — After historic flooding in central North Carolina earlier this week, five swimming sites along rivers failed testing for fecal bacteria and at the coast Portuguese man o' war were spotted along one beach. More than 10 inches of rain fell in just hours in parts of Orange and Chatham counties Sunday night into Monday morning as Tropical Depression Chantal moved through North Carolina. Just under 8 inches fell in Durham County, with 9.73 inches in Alamance County. In Durham, the city reported nearly 7 million gallons of raw sewage flowed into the Eno River, while Hillsborough leaders are still working to determine how much escaped their system. The 'heavy rain' likely led to more bacteria in rivers, officials said. Meanwhile, on Friday, at an island in Carteret County, a painful nuisance returned to beaches: Portuguese man o' war. Emerald Isle officials warned about the very painful sea creatures along the sand and water. North Carolina rainfall totals from Chantal — data from 50+ sites The creatures — featuring a balloon-like float that can be blue, purple or pink — have tentacles that average 30 feet long but can extend to 100 feet, scientists say. Their stings rarely kill people but are very painful. 'Purple flags will be flying as we have seen Portuguese man o' war along our beach strand. These flags fly on the lifeguard towers and patrol vehicles,' Emerald Isle officials wrote Friday, noting the creatures were gone on Saturday. The non-profit group, Sound Rivers, tests about 50 sites along North Carolina rivers each week during the summer. The checks are for E. coli to determine if swimming areas are safe. In the Raleigh area, two sites failed on the Neuse River: the Buffaloe Road canoe launch and the Poole Road canoe launch. 'There's been some heavy rain lately, so that stormwater runoff can put a lot of bacteria in our waterways,' said Clay Barber, program director for Sound Rivers. Along the Lower Neuse River, three sites failed testing by Sound Rivers, the group said. The trio is Bridgeton Park near New Bern, Glenburnie in New Bern and Slocum Creek in Havelock, Sound Rivers reported. 'When a site fails, you need to be smart about recreating on the water — don't go into the water if you have any open wounds and don't put your head under water if you do go in,' Barber said. Closer to the coast, all sites in the Tar-Pamlico Watershed passed the testing, although seven sites were not tested this week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CTV News
26-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Water quality advisory lifted for beach west of Edmonton
A June 21, 2021, advisory of "elevated levels of fecal bacteria" at Allan Beach at Hubbles Lake was effective immediately and to stay in place until authorities advised otherwise. Alberta Health Services (AHS) has lifted a water quality advisory for Allan Beach on Hubbles Lake. The advisory was issued on June 12 due to high levels of fecal bacteria. Water quality has since returned to an acceptable level and the health risk is low for usage of the beach for recreational purposes. AHS reminds visitors and residents to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir at any time. Hubbles Lakes is about 40 kilometres west of Edmonton.
CTV News
20-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Water quality advisory issued for Trestle Creek Golf Resort Beach
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a water quality advisory for Trestle Creek Golf Resort Beach due to high levels of fecal bacteria. At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from consuming the water. There is also a possibility of skin, ear and eye infection if exposed to the water. People are advised not to swim or wade at the beach area. The Trestle Creek Golf Resort is approximately 92 kilometres west of Edmonton.
CTV News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Advisories issued for two Edmonton-area bodies of water
Edmonton Watch Blue-green algae has been found at Half Moon Lake, and AHS is warning people about fecal bacteria in Hubbles Lake.
