The Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) is lifting a precautionary advisory for water activities in most of Comox Harbour and Estuary, following results of extensive water quality testing over the past week.
Testing completed since a sewage leak on May 26 has shown that areas outside of the immediate spill area (on the east side of the Comox Harbour Authority marina) are consistently showing safe results for water activities.
As a result, the CVRD is removing the precautionary advisory that was put in place immediately after the leak, warning against swimming or other water activities in the harbour. The advisory remains in place for the foreshore between Jane Place and the Comox Wharf as well as the water within the Comox Harbour Authority east marina (see map below)– people should avoid the foreshore and direct contact with the water in that area until further notice.
Photo Caption: Water quality advisory remains in place on east side of Comox Harbour wharf
“While this is still a really challenging situation and the impact in the localized area shouldn’t be understated, the sampling results indicate that bacteria from the spill did not spread in measurable amounts beyond the immediate area, and has not circulated.” said Charlie Gore, Senior Manager of Capital Project Delivery. “We know that many people are eager to get back to the water, in particular the businesses in the area that rely on it – we’re thankful for everyone’s patience during this past week while we monitored for public safety.”
About Testing and Results
- Island Health uses testing for Enterococcus as the primary indicator for swimming safety, with guidance that water is safe when results are below 35 CFU/100mL.
- All tests since the day of the spill that are outside of the immediate spill area (55 total) have been below 6 CFU/100mL, with most at or below 1 CFU/100mL. Testing has been completed at varying depths.
- In addition to several sites within Comox Harbour, testing was also completed at key recreational sites such as the middle of Comox Harbour, “Little Mexico”, Goose Spit, Gartley Beach, Courtenay River entrance, Lewis Park, Pt. Holmes and Tree Island. The west side of the Comox Harbour wharf is also deemed safe.
- Sampling has been completed each day since the incident, and results have been returned for tests up to Sunday, May 31.
Next Steps
- The CVRD is collating test results received to date and will publish them to the webpage by the end of the week.
- The CVRD’s water quality testing will continue at a reduced rate, and results will continue to be shared publicly, and with Provincial and Federal authorities.
- In addition to the CVRD’s testing/modelling, Environment Canada has also completed their regular bi-monthly sampling at over 100 sites from Comox Harbour to the south end of Baynes Sound this week. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has also undertaken a sampling program for clams and oysters. Should these tests return any results of concern, the CVRD will provide a public update.
- Modelling has been underway to inform CVRD on water movement, assuming water quality issues would persist. Given the positive results and the indicators that these areas are safe, the CVRD is lifting this advisory without further modelling of bacterial concentration.
The cause of the sewage leak is still being investigated, and information will be shared with the public when available. To follow along for updates, visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/sewageleak
The Comox Valley Regional District is a partnership of three electoral areas and three municipalities operating on the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of the land. The members of the regional district work collaboratively on providing sustainable services for the benefit of the diverse urban and rural areas of the Comox Valley.
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