Once again, health advisory warnings have been posted on local beaches around outfalls throughout Greater Victoria this morning. Storm water and sewage are overflowing into the ocean due to heavy rain.
This is the second such notice that has gone up in recent months for the same reason. The last occurrence was on Nov. 12.
The areas affected extend from Finnerty Point near Queenswood Avenue in Saanich, to Clover Point on Dallas Road in Victoria, and from McLoughlin Point, west of Saxe Point, in Esquimalt.
Water samples around the affected shorelines are being collected, once the samples show enterococci levels below the recreational limit of 70 colony forming units per 100 milliliters, the signs will be lifted.
Ted Robbins, general manager, of CRD integrated water services said that the sampling process involves a 24-hour turn-around.
“When the rain storm subsides, the CRD’s water quality department will collect samples in the affected areas in consultation with Island Health and local municipalities.”
Residents are advised to avoid swimming or wading, or allowing pets in the water until further notice.
