Regina Beach is currently facing significant water quality issues just ahead of what could have been the busiest weekend of the summer months for businesses in the area. The Saskatchewan Health Authority’s (SHA) Healthy Beaches program has issued an advisory, warning residents and visitors that the beach’s water is unsafe for swimming due to elevated levels of E.coli bacteria.
Rising E. coli Levels
The advisory follows a series of water quality tests that have shown a worrying trend of increasing E. coli concentrations over the past month. According to the SHA, the levels of E. coli have been steadily rising since the end of June, posing potential health risks to swimmers.
On June 24, water samples collected from Regina Beach revealed an E. coli concentration of 5.4 organisms per 100 milliliters. However, by July 30, subsequent tests indicated a dramatic increase to 95.4 organisms per 100 milliliters. This substantial rise in E. coli levels has prompted the SHA to take precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
Health Risks Associated with E. coli
E. coli bacteria are commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals, and while most strains are harmless, some can cause severe illness. According to the World Health Organization , symptoms of diseases caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) include abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may progress to bloody diarrhea (haemorrhagic colitis). Fever and vomiting may also occur. The incubation period ranges from 3 to 8 days, with a median of 3 to 4 days.
Most patients recover within 10 days, but in a small proportion of cases, particularly young children and the elderly, the infection can lead to life-threatening conditions such as haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). HUS is characterized by acute renal failure, haemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia (low blood platelets). Up to 10% of patients with STEC infection may develop HUS, with a case-fatality rate ranging from 3 to 5% .
Overall, HUS is the most common cause of acute renal failure in young children and can cause neurological complications such as seizure, stroke, and coma in 25% of HUS patients. Chronic renal sequelae, usually mild, occur in around 50% of survivors.
The SHA’s advisory aims to prevent these health risks by urging the public to avoid swimming in the affected waters until further notice.
Ongoing Monitoring and Future Updates
The SHA is actively monitoring the water quality at Regina Beach and conducting regular testing to assess the levels of E. coli. While the current situation remains a concern, the authority is working diligently to identify the source of contamination and implement measures to mitigate the issue.
Residents and visitors are advised to stay updated on the situation through the SHA’s Healthy Beaches program website, where information on water quality and safety advisories is regularly posted.
For the latest updates on Regina Beach and other water quality advisories, please visit the SHA’s Healthy Beaches program website here.
