Manitoba Health says the spill occurred in the rural township of Gimli on June 15 when a sewer line damaged during routine ditch maintenance began affecting local water quality. E. coli levels are currently at 16,756 E. coli per 100/ml — more than 83 times the recreational water quality goal of 200 E.coli per 100/ml, according to a sample collected in the Lake Winnipeg section on Tuesday. The province is recommending that people and animals not enter the water at Spruce Sands Beach, which is about 20 km north of Gimli, Man., until water tests show it is safe. Beach closure signs are being posted on Wednesday, while water quality checks are also being carried out at other beaches in the area as a precaution. The province is lowering the water level in the ditch where the damage occurred so the sewer line can be repaired or replaced. Updated information on beach monitoring and advisory sign status will be posted on the province’s website.
