Better alert system sought for False Creek water pollution
06.08.2008 20:02
Health
- Source: cbc.ca
 Vancouver health officials have noticed raw sewage flowing into the eastern edge of False Creek.(CBC)Vancouver Coastal Health is examining ways to better alert people about False Creek's water quality after boaters complained they were not made aware of health warnings. The health authority for Metro Vancouver has issued two warnings since early July, saying the water at the east end of the creek is contaminated with coliform bacteria caused by sewage spills. False Creek is not generally used for swimming, but is popular with kayakers and dragon boaters. Many boaters didn't know about the health warnings and continued to use the water, said Andrea Dillon, a coach for the False Creek women's dragon boat team.  Vancouver Coastal Health spokesman Domenic Losito says the authority is trying to improve the way it alerts people about False Creek's water quality. (CBC)"When we had that spill in July, we didn't hear about it for two days," she told CBC News in a telephone interview on Tuesday. "A lot of people can and do have immune-compromised systems like our organ transplant team [of boaters]," she said. Signs were posted close to where the water was deemed contaminated, but Dillon said many people didn't see them. Vancouver Coastal Health is trying to improve the way it alerts people about False Creek's water quality, said Domenic Losito, the authority's regional director of health protection. "We are looking at compiling a list of boat launches and rental places, clubs and societies that use the water to get a rapid alert out to them. He said the timing of the last spill, just before the long weekend, prevented health officials from alerting more people. The health warning still in effect should be lifted for the eastern part of False Creek by the end of this week, Losito said. Story Tools: E-MAIL | PRINT | Text Size: SMLXL | REPORT TYPO | SEND YOUR FEEDBACKRelatedInternal LinksFalse Creek sewage leak may take several days to clear upFalse Creek water could make people sick: health officialHealth HeadlinesFewer suds downed, Americans say, but alcohol disorders persistMore Americans say they're pushing aside their beer steins, but the rate of alcohol-related disorders has remained steady, U.S. researchers said Wednesday. Canadian health minister resists WHO on safe injection sitesThe federal health minister repeated his opposition to safe injection sites at an international AIDS conference this week, in contrast to the World Health Organization's supportive stance on the harm reduction approach. Lyme disease controversy spreading across CanadaPatient advocacy groups contend Lyme disease is reaching epidemic proportions, but officials say there is no evidence.Better alert system sought for False Creek water pollutionVancouver Coastal Health is examining ways to better alert people about False Creek's water quality after boaters complained they were not made aware of health warnings.One cigarette can get some people hooked: studyIt may take just one tobacco cigarette for some people to get addicted to nicotice because of how their brains are wired, a Canadian study suggests. Health FeaturesIN DEPTHPhthalatesAre chemicals that make plastic bendy a health hazard?AIDS RESEARCHLife expectancyBig jump in survival rates for those on HIV drugsIN DEPTHLyme diseaseTiny tick, big problemANOTHER VIEWDrugs and drivingNew law a 'positive step', analyst saysHEALTH & FITNESSPeter HadzipetrosBreaking up's not that hard to doHEALTHTrans fatsPeople who read this also read …
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