Signs urge beachgoers to avoid streams in P.E.I. National Park due to high bacteria levels

There are new signs at Parks Canada beaches along Prince Edward Island's North Shore advising visitors not to swim in three streams due to high levels of fecal coliform bacteria.

The streams are all located within P.E.I. National Park — at North Rustico Beach, MacNeills Brook Beach, and where Clarkes Pond meets the ocean in Cavendish. 

The federal agency says the bacteria count is standard for this time of year, and people can still use the beaches safely as well as swim in the ocean. 

Parks Canada said the bacteria in the three streams has been identified as E. coli, and it could have come from a few different sources, including ducks, geese and manure spread in nearby farm fields. 

Visitors cautioned to stay out of some streams in P.E.I. National Park due to high bacteria levels

13 hours ago

Duration 1:30

New signs at some beaches in P.E.I. National Park are warning visitors to stay out of three streams of water that meet the ocean between Cavendish and North Rustico. That’s because of high levels of E. coli bacteria from feces in the water, a fairly normal occurrence at this time of year. CBC's Nicola MacLeod explains.

Parks Canada said the dry and hot weather could also be contributing to the rise in bacteria levels. 

"This level of coliform does not affect the quality of the ocean water," the agency said in a statement. "As a precaution, it is generally safer to swim or engage in recreational activities in the ocean rather than in outflow streams. 

"While incidental contact — such as walking through these streams — is unlikely to pose a significant health risk, prolonged exposure or allowing children to play in them is not recommended."

The bacteria levels were detected through regular water testing. Parks Canada noted that the issue could also be impacting other streams in the province that aren't subject to such testing.