A small beach area in Lantzville is closed to the public after water tests revealed high levels of bacteria. Further testing is being done. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Jordan Davidson

beach closed

‘Out of an abundance of safety:’ part of Lantzville beachfront closed due to bacteria levels

Jun 3, 2025 | 12:16 PM

LANTZVILLE — A popular section of beach in Lantzville is closed for now, after potential contamination was found in the water.

The affected areas in Lantzville between Sebastion and Harper Rds. were closed Monday, June 2, with signs in place warning the public of “high levels of bacteria which may pose a risk to your health.”

Director of public works for the District Glenn Morphy said they closed the beaches immediately after getting the test results back, as per the recommendation of Island Health.

“Generally, what happens in these types of situations when you’re sampling, you sometimes get contaminants in your sample…could be excrement from wildlife or even in the water itself, and that can happen from time to time.”

The affected area is just to the north of the village core, near the Huddlestone Beach Access. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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Morphy suspected the high test result was due to cross contamination in the sample, however it’s not known for sure.

He said Island Health notifies them when a sample tests positive for a contaminant known as enterococcus, which triggers the beach closures and further testing.

Morphy said additional tests will take place this week before deciding when to reopen the beach.

“We have another sample that’s going to be done on Wednesday, and we hope or expect both of those samples will come in clear and we’ll be able to reopen the beaches at that time. Right now, they’re fully closed out of an abundance of safety for the public and also for animals.”

Signs are posted at beach entrances on Sebastion and Harper Rds. in Lantzville, warning on high bacteria levels. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

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