False Creek East, BC

CURRENT STATUS: This area is closed to swimmers at all times. Paddlers should take caution when paddling in this area.Current geometric mean is 802 e.coli/100ml Safe levels for swimmers is 200 E.coli/100mlSafe levels for paddlers sailors etc. is 1000 E.coli/100ml WATER QUALITY HISTORY:False Creek is not classified as a Primary Contact Recreational Water Body (i.e. it is not a swimming/bathing beach).The waters of False Creek are treated as if people do not come in contact with water--classified as 'secondary' beaches they are not posted by health authorities unless the coliform rating goes up to 1000--five times the safe level for bathing.In 2008 False Creek was closed twice during the summer following sewage 'spills'--there are combined sewer outfalls in this area which routinely discharge raw sewage mixed with rainwater following prolonged rainfall. Boaters and paddlers using this area should take precautions against prolongedskin contact with the water.For more details visit: http://www.vch.ca/your_environment/water_quality/recreational-water/beach-water-quality-report/beach_water_quality_report BEACH INFO: Until the 1950's False Creek was the industrial heartland of Vancouver. Whilethe government has not closed this area for swimming or wading FraserRiverkeeper has tested bottom sediments in the vicinity of Olympic Village andfound alarmingly high levels of PCBs and heavy metals. We feel it appropriateto caution strongly against wading in this water.