The precautionary advisory for water activities in most of Comox Harbour and Estuary has been lifted.

In an update yesterday, the Comox Valley Regional District said testing completed since last week’s sewage leak has shown that areas outside of the immediate spill area (the east side of the Comox Harbour Authority marina) are consistently showing safe results for water activities.

As a result, the CVRD is removing the precautionary advisory that was put in place immediately after the leak, warning against swimming or other water activities in the harbour.

The advisory remains in place for the foreshore between Jane Place and the Comox Wharf as well as the water within the Comox Harbour Authority east marina.

The District emphasizes people should avoid the foreshore and direct contact with the water in that area until further notice.

In addition to several sites within Comox Harbour, testing was also completed at key recreational sites such as the middle of Comox Harbour, “Little Mexico”, Goose Spit, Gartley Beach, Courtenay River entrance, Lewis Park, Pt. Holmes and Tree Island. The west side of the Comox Harbour wharf is also deemed safe.

Environment Canada has also completed regular bi-monthly sampling at over 100 sites from Comox Harbour to the south end of Baynes Sound.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has also undertaken a sampling program for clams and oysters.

Should these tests return any results of concern, the CVRD says it will provide an update.

The cause of the sewage leak is still being investigated.

For more information, visit Comox Valley Regional District.