COWICHAN VALLEY - Island Health is advising against the use of the lower sections of the Cowichan River for recreational uses such as swimming, wading or tubing. Testing of bacterial levels in the river following rainfall earlier this week has shown higher levels of bacteria than are normally found in the area and that exceed the Canadian Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality. 

Repeat sampling will be undertaken this weekend, results of which are not expected back before early next week.  

The river is tested in several locations on a regular basis and recently has been tested more frequently as part of the Cowichan River Watershed Board work.  While the testing has occurred downstream from the Highway 1 bridge, Island Health is advising that no recreation activity occur downstream from the Allenby Road Bridge.

Persons swimming in water with high levels of bacteria are more likely to develop symptoms such as abdominal pains, vomiting and diarrhea.  

Cowichan Tribes is working closely with Island Health in notifying community members.

Download this advisory in PDF form here. (PDF 91 KB)

Val Wilson

Island Health Communications

250-713-3911