Recreational water

Pools, hot tubs and more

In BC, the Pool Regulation under the Public Health Act regulates all

Public pools
Commercial pools (hotels, stratas)
Hot tubs
Spray parks

Environmental Health Officers are the local individuals who work with facilities in your communities both to ensure that public safety is safeguarded as well as educate operators and facilitate improvements.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact your local Environmental Health Office.

For operators

Northern Health pool operator's course manual (PDF) - Northern Health
BC pool safety plan template (PDF) - Northern Health
BC pool design and operating guidelines - Government of BC

Natural recreational water

Lakes, rivers, and other natural water bodies with public access are enjoyed by many for swimming, wading, and water sports. Northern Health works with other agencies to help reduce the risk disease and promote safe, health-informed choices when spending time outdoors.

These activities are a great way to cool off and enjoy the outdoors but natural waters are not risk-free. Water quality and conditions can change quickly with things like weather, temperature, wildlife, and human activity.

Recreational water sampling

Northern Health does not currently monitor or conduct routine sampling for bacteria in natural water bodies. Health Canada publishes Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines for factors that could interfere with the safe use of recreational waters from a human health perspective. Environmental Health Officers may take action if reports suggest that the water quality exceeds guideline levels or if other potential hazards are identified.

Recreational water advisories

Northern Health does not issue or rescind recreational water advisories at this time. For concerns related to water bodies used as sources of private (single residential connection) drinking water or for recreation only, we may publish media releases. We are working with other partner government agencies to make sure the public is able to make informed decisions when accessing natural waters. Drinking water advisories that affect public drinking water supplies can be accessed at drinking water advisories.

Learn more

Canadian Recreational Water Quality Guidelines - Government of Canada

Reporting recreational water quality concerns

If you have a concern about beach water quality, please contact our Health Protection Office.

Swimmer’s itch (Schistosome dermatitis)

Swimmer’s itch is a skin rash, caused by an allergic reaction to tiny parasites found in some freshwater lakes in British Columbia. These parasites usually live in snails and birds or other mammals to complete their life cycle, but sometimes “accidentally” burrow into the skin of swimmers.

Symptoms may include:

Tingling, burning, or itching of the skin
Small reddish pimples
Small blisters

Swimmers itch is not contagious and does not spread from person to person.

How to protect yourself

Avoid swimming in water where swimmer’s itch is a known problem, particularly around marshy areas.
Shower with fresh water as soon as possible after coming out of the water.
Immediately dry off and change out of wet clothing after coming out of the water.

Learn more

Swimmer's itch - HealthLink BC

Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)

Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) are naturally occurring and can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water. Cyanobacteria can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, or pinkish-red, and often smells musty or grassy. Some cyanobacteria produce toxins, which can be released into the water when they die. During blooms, bacteria and toxin concentrations increase and may become a hazard.

People who touch visible cyanobacteria, or swallow water containing toxins from cyanobacteria, may get skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These symptoms usually show up within 1 to 3 hours and clear up in 1 to 2 days. Children may experience more pronounced effects. In severe cases, exposure can lead to liver damage or other serious outcomes.

People living near lakes, visitors and day users, are advised to take the following precautions:

Avoid all contact with cyanobacteria blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in areas where cyanobacteria is visible.
As a reminder, Northern Health recommends that visitors and residents do not drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake at any time. Boiling lake water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria.
Provide pets and livestock an alternate source of water. Pet owners should be cautious of allowing pets to roam off-leash near lakes, as drinking water with cyanobacteria toxins can make them sick.

Weather and wind conditions can cause cyanobacteria blooms to shift around a lake. Because blooms move, it is safest to take the most rigorous precautions around visible blooms, or in areas where blooms have happened before.

The Ministry of Environment and Parks (MoEP) also collects data on algae blooms across BC as part of the Algae Watch program. Observations and photos can be submitted using the online Algae Watch form. This will help MoEP identify and better understand cyanobacteria and algae blooms.

If you have concerns about cyanobacteria in drinking or recreational water, contact Environmental Health at 250-565-7322 or php@northernhealth.ca. More information can be found at Cyanobacteria blooms (blue-green algae) - HealthLinkBC