Heavy rain, high bacteria levels close Halifax beaches

Thursday, July 4, 2013, 8:22 AM -

Recent heavy rain has had a negative impact on several beaches in Halifax. 

"Sandy Beach, Long Pond Beach, Kinsmen Beach and Black Rock Beach have all tested high for bacteria levels. People are not advised to swim at this time," the city's website says. 

Dingle Beach has also been closed as a precaution due to overflow. 

“The results of the lab testing showed that the water had high bacterial counts that exceeded the guidelines from the Canadian recreational water quality standards,” says HRM Environmental Officer, Cameron Deacoff. 

The Municipality is advising people to stay out of the water not only at the beaches, but also in other areas of the Harbour while the ban is in effect. 

“The wastewater that flows through the pipes in the area does overflow by design with heavy rainfall so we can expect at least one or two or three events during the course of most summers where we will have wastewater overflows,” adds Deacoff. 

Residents can check for updated info on the status of the closures at halifax.ca.

High bacterial levels close several Halifax beaches

In Quinan, Nova Scotia residents are on flood watch as rising water levels threaten the southwestern village. 

Rising water levels in Quinan forced the closure Wednesday of the Bad Falls Bridge and the province's Transportation Department says it continues to monitor the Frotten Road Bridge in the community.

The Emergency Management Office in nearby Argyle says the Bad Falls Bridge is used to provide access to a Nova Scotia Power dam, and no residents are impacted by its closure.

However, about 20 residents have been told they may have to leave their homes if the other bridge shuts down.

Emergency officials say the Quinan community hall will be used as a comfort centre and overnight shelter for any displaced residents.

Roads remain open in the area, but officials says they're also keeping a close eye on Highway 103 in Quinan.

Water levels in the Quinan and Tusket rivers began rising this week as a result of heavy rainfall.

In 2010, a number of homes in the community were evacuated after a record 250 millimetres fell on the Yarmouth area, washing out roads and swamping basements.

With files from The Canadian Press