A lake in East Vancouver has been temporarily closed by health officials due to high levels of bacteria.

The Vancouver Park Board announced on July 19 that Trout Lake has been closed to wading and swimming in response to E. coli levels exceeding health standards. Trout Lake is located in John Hendry Park at Victoria Drive and East 19th Avenue.

Water-quality measurements recorded by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) in a July 12 report listed Trout Lake water with an average of 200 E. coli per 100 millilitres over the previous month. Health guidelines recommend less than 200 E.coli per 100 millilitres for recreational activities.   

Signs have been installed to warn the public about the closure, which will remain effective until further notice from VCH.

https://twitter.com/ParkBoard/status/1020063350993006594

The highest levels in Metro Vancouver in the July 12 report were found at the east end of False Creek, with 1,304 E. coli per 100 millilitres. (In comparison, the western end of False Creek was listed at 39 and the central area was 166.) Anyone who comes into contact with the water in False Creek is advised to wash and shower.

Water can become contaminated with E. coli due to fecal matter from infected people or animals.

Symptoms of an E. coli infecton, which can manifest one to 10 days after exposure to the bacteria and can last for five to 10 days, include nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, stomach cramps, and watery or bloody diarrhea.