Poor water quality at Taghum Beach has resulted in the Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) issuing a swim advisory. Swimming is not recommended due to bacterial counts that exceed Health Canada guidelines.
The regional district collects water samples on a weekly basis at Taghum Beach to test for fecal coliform bacteria (E. coli). Weekly monitoring protects swimmers from illnesses that may be linked to unacceptable bacteria levels, such as ear, nose and throat infection or stomach illnesses.
“The RDCK and Interior Health are recommending the public refrains from swimming at Taghum Beach until the beach water quality improves,” says Joe Chirico, the RDCK’s general manager of community services.
In keeping with Health Canada’s Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality and Interior Health Authority Beach Water Quality Notification Campaign, the regional district has posted signage at Taghum Beach to notify the public of poor beach water quality. Warning signs will remain posted until sample results are once again within acceptable limits.
Please check the RDCK’s website at www.rdck.bc.ca for updates.