Swimming at Willows Beach may pose a health risk, the District of Oak Bay warns.
Recent water tests indicate high levels of bacteria making the area unsafe for swimming and other water contact.
Island Health testing done Aug. 14, reports unsatisfactory bacterial results. Oak Bay issued the warning online that afternoon. The district posts signs at the beach to notify visitors.
Other beaches in the region with warnings in place include Ross Bay beach, a lingering warning from July 27 and a Langford Lake warning issued July 7.
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Island Health does beach sampling mid-May through the Labour Day weekend and recommends advisories when testing shows over 1000 E. coli or 175 Enterococci per sample, as studies indicate there is an elevated risk associated with these bacterial levels, according to the authority.
Beach advisories are also be considered when the average of the past several sample results exceed 200 E. coli or 35 Enterococci; a single sample result exceeds 400 E. coli or 70 Enterococci per sample’ a visible blue green algae bloom is present; or other public health hazards are identified.
No specific cause was given for the high bacteria count off Willows Beach.