Update July 15, 2022
Interior Health has lifted the Cautionary Advisory that was in place at Salmon Arm Bay and Sunnybrae due to a potential algal bloom.
The cautionary advisory has been lifted because two consecutive water quality samples have tested negative for microcystin (i.e., microcystin NOT present), the toxin that can be associated with cyanobacteria blooms (also known as blue-green algae blooms).
For more information, all advisories are posted on the Interior Health Public Beaches webpage.
Update July 13, 2022
Interior Health has advised the CSRD that the most recent water tests are showing acceptable levels of E. Coli bacteria in the water of Shuswap Lake off Sunnybrae Beach.
The Beach Water Quality Advisory which was put in place on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 is lifted effective today, Wednesday, July 13, 2022.
For the safety of the public, the water at Sunnybrae Beach is routinely tested on a weekly basis.
Algae bloom advisory
Please be aware that a cautionary advisory regarding algae still remains in effect in Salmon Arm Bay and the area of Sunnybrae Beach. The most recent water quality testing recently at sites impacted by the potential algal bloom has not shown any signs of unsafe water conditions that can be associated with Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Furthermore, the visible signs of algae have dissipated.
More water quality testing is planned for this week. Interior Health recommends that two consecutive samples be collected that show no sign of microcystin (the unsafe toxin that can be associated with Cyanobacteria) before a cautionary advisory can be lifted.
Therefore, since there has just been one sample tested to-date, the cautionary advisory will remain in place.
The CSRD extends its thanks to residents and visitors for their patience during the temporary Beach Water Quality Advisory and will report on results of the algae testing as soon as they are received from Interior Health.
Original Post: June 29, 2022
Sunnybrae Beach has been placed on a Beach Water Quality Advisory due to unacceptable E.coli bacterial counts found in recent routine water samples.
The beach is not closed, however, Interior Health is advising that due to the elevated water sample results, the public should be made aware of the increased risk of swimming at Sunnybrae Beach, which is located at 3580 Sunnybrae-Canoe Point Road, Tappen.
When bacterial counts are high, there is an increased risk of illness to swimmers and bathers who use the water.
Follow-up water samples are being taken and the advisory will be rescinded once samples show acceptable bacteria levels. The water at Sunnybrae Beach is routinely tested on a weekly basis.
This Beach Water Quality Advisory is in addition to the cautionary advisory issued June 28 by Interior Health regarding an algae bloom in the Salmon Arm Bay, which includes the Sunnybrae area.
Interior Health reports there can be a number of reasons for elevated E.coli levels including wildlife, such as geese, causing an increase in bacteria levels. The weather can also play a factor, with heavy rains washing contaminants off the shore and into the water or temperature increasing bacterial growth.
Sunnybrae Community Beach Park will remain open for public use, however users are advised to refrain from activities in which a person’s whole body and face are frequently immersed in the water. Users are reminded not to ingest any untreated water.
This advisory is only in place for the Sunnybrae Beach area and does not affect the CSRD's Sandy Beach or Pebble Beach in Blind Bay.
Please continue to check the CSRD website and social media for updates on the status of the beach. For further questions, contact the CSRD at: 250.832.8194. Information can also be found on the Interior Health website.