Metro Vancouver beach closures extended as E. coli counts increase

For the second time in two weeks, health officials are warning people against swimming at three West Vancouver beaches after routine water quality sampling turned up E.coli bacteria counts exceeding safe limits.

No Swimming advisories have be put back in place for Ambleside, Dundarave and Sandy Cove beaches after tests once again exceeded safe levels.

A no swimming advisory issued for West Vancouver's Eagle Harbour last week also remains in effect.

Health officials generally advise against swimming when E. coli readings are in excess of200 E.coli bacteria in 100 mL of water.

Vancouver's Sunset Beach, which was closed to swimming Wednesday, is now reporting E. coli concentrations of 405, up from 170, the previous week.

E.coli readings

West Vancouver

• Ambleside 246
• Dundarave 332
• Sandy Cove 253
• Eagle Harbour 502

Vancouver

• Sunset Beach 405

E.coli can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illness.

Click here to be taken to the weekly beach water quality reports.