Stay away from 'highly contaminated' Chedoke Creek, Cootes Paradise, city warns

The City of Hamilton is warning people to stay out of the water in and around Chedoke Creek and Cootes Paradise, because it has been found to be "highly contaminated."

The city announced Thursday that it is trying to find the source of the contamination, which can be seen in the water as little grey blobs.

"At this time Public Health Services is warning the public to stay out of and not touch the water in Chedoke Creek and Princess Point," the city said in a news release. "If you come into contact with the water, wash yourself off promptly with warm water and soap."

Andrew Grice, the director of Hamilton water, told CBCNews that the issue was first noticed about two weeks ago but tests that showed the E. colilevels in the water didn't come back until recently.

"We are seeing high numbers of E. coli people should not be entering that water right now," he said.

The city says the cause of the contamination is currently unknown. City workers are conducting inspections of sewers infrastructure and other areas to look for a potential source.

The city also says the Royal Botanical Gardens has removed the docks at Cootes Paradise and warning signs are being installed at public access points along the shore of the affected area.

Anyone with information about the contamination is asked to call the City of Hamilton's spills reporting line at (905) 540-5188.