Water testing getting underway at Nanaimo outdoor swim spots
NANAIMO — Checks and balances are being done to local swimming holes ahead of the summer months.
The City of Nanaimo is set to begin conducting its annual testing of public, outdoor swimming spots for water-bourne issues including fecal bacteria stemming from animal waste.
Testing is done at Brannen Lake, Colliery Dam Park, Departure Bay beach, Long Lake, Maffeo Sutton Park and Westwood Lake.
“Pet owners are reminded to take their dogs to designated dog parks and off-leash areas,” a release from the City noted. “With shore birds and other naturally occurring wildlife in and around water bodies, adding pets to the mix could elevate the levels of fecal coliforms (bacteria).”