Orange is the new sand in Kelowna

Orange-coloured sand on beaches at Cedar Creek, Rotary and Kinsmen is safe

It may look scary, but it's completely safe for people, pets and wildlife.

Orange-tinged beaches at Cedar Creek, Rotary Beach and Kinsmen Beach are a result of naturally occurring iron-related bacteria.

The bacteria is harmless, but shocking to see on the shore.

The bacteria, which shows up as orange residue, surfaces when lake levels are low and groundwater containing higher-than-normal levels of iron seeps to the surface.

"It's likely the work to mitigate flooding by proactively lowering lake levels is in a large part the reason this orange colouring has surfaced this spring," said City of Kelowna parks services manager Blair Stewart.

"Once lake levels begin to rise, the colour will dissipate into the lake water again. Any residue remaining on beaches will eventually dry out and may leave a rustcoloured coating on the rocks in the area, but is not harmful."

The city hired an independent company to test the beaches after the orange staining was first discovered at Cedar Creek Beach on April 12.

The company's findings were also confirmed by the B.C. Ministry of Environment.

The city regularly monitors water quality at area beaches throughout the spring and summer.

The latest quality reports are on the recreation water page on the InteriorHealth.ca website.