WATER quality at Grève de Lecq remains classed as “poor”, with swimming still discouraged, after follow-up testing by pollution-control staff.
While E.coli levels in samples taken on Wednesday had fallen significantly from the original monitoring which took place earlier in the week, the reading of 1,800 parts E.coli per 100ml of water was still more than three times the threshold figure of 500 for a “poor” classification. Poor is the lowest rating.
The Infrastructure Department issued an update yesterday which included the latest reading for Grève de Lecq, as well as comparative figures for other sites on the north and west coast: Bonne Nuit and the Watersplash both registered figures of below ten.
Investigative work has been taking place following a high reading of 3,300 earlier in the week, which prompted official warnings to Islanders to avoid swimming at Grève de Lecq.
Attempts to identify the source of the pollution have been described as “inconclusive”, with further samples taken and results expected today.
The department’s update stated: “The Pollution Control team met the drainage team. Based on that discussion, they are content that the pumping stations are operating as expected.”
Clinicians from the Health Department have been asked to consider E.coli if patients exhibit gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if they have a history of sea swimming or exposure to water in the affected area.
