Moncton’s Centennial Park lake, Jones Lake closed due to high bacterial levels

High counts of E. coli bacteria found during routine testing have closed the lake at Centennial Park and Jones Lake to recreational use in Moncton, N.B.

In a news release Wednesday, the city says kayaking, canoeing, and other recreational activities are prohibited until further notice.

Pet owners are also asked to keep their dogs away from the water.

Sources of E.coli can come from human waste, untreated sewage and animal and wildlife feces.

Symptoms of E. coli infection can include bloody diarrhea, and it can cause severe anemia or kidney failure, which can lead to death.

Notices have been posted around both bodies of water.

The city says staff will continue to monitor water quality, and will provide updates as conditions change.

Routine testing is done on all municipally-owned bodies of water in Moncton.

A health advisory has been posted by the province at Irishtown Nature Park because blue green algae, or cyanobacteria has been observed there.

Dan Hicks, the City of Moncton’s director of parks, said the bodies of water are not very deep and because of their shallow depth they warm up quickly and things like bacteria and fecal coliforms thrive in those conditions.

Health advisories usually come during the hottest days of the summer, but Hicks said they’ve come a little earlier this year.

“We had a mild winter, maybe that’s playing in effect,” said Hicks. “Anecdotally, it’s kind of hard to say from one year to the next what the cause is exactly. All we know are what the results are.”

A health advisory is posted at Irishtown Nature Park on June 13, 2024.

A health advisory sign at Irishtown Nature Park lists several warnings about the blue-green algae and says contact can be harmful and children and pets may be particularly vulnerable.

Linda Landry walks her dog on the trails daily and is concerned.

“I’m scared that she does go in and she drinks. Sometimes I leave her to run around down there and I’m scared that she goes in and drinks water,” said Landry. “It’s very dangerous for dogs.”

Lorie Edwards has definitely seen the signs posted, but isn’t concerned.

“Because I keep him away from the water I’m not worried about it. I’m not going to let him drink it. I bring my own water. It’s such a beautiful place. I’m glad that they told us to be worried about it, but I can’t not come.”

Hicks said the lakes collect storm water year round so whenever its rains whatever is on the ground makes its way into the water bodies.

“So pet waste collection is good to do,” said Hicks. “You know, don’t feed the ducks, please. that’s another good thing.”

For more New Brunswick news visit our dedicated provincial page.