The water level has dropped by about 16 inches since last week, but the beaches are not open yet.
John Rosenberg, manager of Public Works for the City of Salmon Arm, says water samples are being taken and sent to a lab for testing for fecal coliform and total coliform this week.
Rosenberg says he believes city officials will use the results to base their decision on whether to re-open Canoe Beach or keep it closed.
“If it comes back and it’s clean, we may open it and put up a sign for people to use caution,” he says, noting Monday that much of the beach grass is still under water and that the beach and three wharves - two at Canoe and Marine Park wharf in Salmon Arm remain officially closed.
The two irrigation boxes at Canoe Beach are no longer submerged and one cover has been replaced, with another one on order.
He says the beach is fairly clear of debris and officials are waiting for the water to subside before getting in with equipment to remove large wood debris.
“The carpet of small woody debris is no longer there,” he says, pointing out the debris at the eastern side of the beach has now been removed.