The Comox Valley Regional District has lifted the water quality advisory for the Comox Harbour foreshore, meaning people can once again swim and take part in other recreational activities in the area. The advisory followed a sewage leak at the Comox Pump Station on May 26, with water and sediment testing carried out in the months since. Recent water samples collected Aug. 24 found Enterococcus, bacteria commonly used to indicate the presence of fecal contamination in water, at levels ranging from less than 1 to 9 CFU per 100 millilitres. That is well below Island Health’s guidance for swimming and other recreational activities. Water is considered suitable when the average Enterococcus result is below 35 CFU per 100 millilitres and no individual test result exceeds 70 CFU per 100 millilitres. Sediment testing conducted throughout June and July also found no residual risk to recreational activities, according to the regional district. “Recent sampling results provide the information needed to lift the remaining foreshore advisory,” Charlie Gore, senior manager of capital project delivery with the CVRD, said in a statement. “We thank residents, K’ómoks First Nation, harbour users, local businesses, and partner agencies for their patience and cooperation throughout the response and recovery.” More information about the May 26 incident and previous testing results is available from the Comox Valley Regional District.
