KIPABISKAU LAKE — Kipabiskau Regional Park Beach is under a swimming advisory following the detection of elevated E. coli levels on July 23.
According to the Saskatchewan Healthy Beaches Program report dated July 23, 2025, E. coli was detected at 1,223 colony-forming units per 100 millilitres (CFU/100 mL), well above the recommended safety threshold. According to Saskatchewan Health Authority, fish can still be eaten from the lake.
At the time of publication, Rowan’s Ravine Provincial Park Beach and Sunnyside Beach were also under water advisories due to high E. coli levels.
Access to the beach and/or water swimming activities is currently not recommended, as directed by the local health authority.
Under provincial guidelines, recreational water is considered safe for swimming and other in-water activities when:
-
No individual water sample exceeds 235 CFU/100 mL of E. coli; and/or,
-
Cyanobacteria or microcystin levels remain below 10 micrograms per litre (µg/L).
E. coli is a bacteria commonly found in the intestines of humans and animals. Certain strains can cause serious illness, including bloody diarrhea, kidney failure or, in rare cases, death. Young children, the elderly and individuals with weakened immune systems are considered most at risk.
The Saskatchewan government advises the public not to swim when warning signs are posted. If entering the water, it is recommended to take a thorough shower with warm water and soap afterward. Clothing, towels and other items that came into contact with lake water should be washed promptly. Swimmers should avoid swallowing lake water and closely monitor children to reduce the risk of ingestion, according to the Government of Saskatchewan's E. coli fact sheet.
The Healthy Beaches Program, operated by the Government of Saskatchewan, helps ensure the safety of public swimming areas across the province. Water sampling typically occurs from June to September, with results publicly available to help residents make informed decisions about recreational water use.
Lakes are untreated natural bodies of water, which may carry risks from environmental pollutants and bacteria. Saskatchewan Public Health Inspectors monitor and respond to issues such as blue-green algae (algal blooms) and elevated bacterial levels to protect public health.
