Advisory posted after bacterial counts spike at south Rotary Beach
The City of Kelowna has posted a swimming advisory for the south portion of Rotary Beach along Lakeshore Road after water testing this week recorded elevated Escherichia coli (E. coli) levels.
City sampling showed E. coli readings as high as 1,413 units per 100 millilitres at the south end of the beach. By comparison, health guidance cited by the city indicates that when E. coli reaches 235 units per 100 millilitres, about one per cent of bathers who ingest the water may develop gastrointestinal illness.
"We are asking the public not to swim or engage in water-related recreation activities at this beach until the water quality advisory has been lifted," said Andy Weremy, water operations manager.
Although the beach remains open, advisory signs have been posted to allow residents and visitors to make an informed decision about entering the water. The city emphasised that the advisory is a cautionary measure while further testing and monitoring continue.
Health risks and who is most at risk
Public health authorities note that exposure to E. coli in recreational water can cause more than just stomach upset. Symptoms associated with contaminated water include gastrointestinal illness, eye, ear and throat irritation, and skin rashes (distinct from swimmer’s itch).
The risk of more serious illness is higher for certain groups:
- Young children, who are more likely to swallow water while playing;
- Older adults, who may have weaker immune responses;
- People with compromised immune systems, including those on immunosuppressive medications or with certain chronic illnesses.
For most healthy adults who avoid swallowing lake water, the immediate risk is lower, but city officials stress the advisory is intended to reduce the small but real chance of illness across the community.
Monitoring and next steps
The city continues to monitor water quality at Rotary Beach and will lift the advisory once readings fall to acceptable levels. Residents are directed to the city’s water-quality page for the latest results and advisories.
Local officials did not release a specific cause for the high bacterial readings in the source material. Elevated E. coli levels in lakes can arise from a range of sources, including stormwater runoff, wildlife, or failing septic systems; however, no single source was identified in the information provided by the city.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Highest reported E. coli (south Rotary Beach) | 1,413 units / 100 mL |
| Threshold indicating increased illness risk | 235 units / 100 mL |
For now, the message to Kelowna residents is straightforward: heed posted signs, avoid swimming or water-recreation activities at the south side of Rotary Beach until the advisory is removed, and check the city’s website for updates. The advisory seeks to balance public access to one of Kelowna’s popular lakefront parks with prudent protection of community health.
City staff are continuing routine sampling and will communicate any changes to the advisory status. Visitors planning to use Rotary Beach in the coming days should confirm current conditions before entering the water.
