The public is being warned not to swim or wade in Ross Bay after raw sewage went into the water off Clover Point.
Capital Regional District officials said unscreened sewage was discharged through a short outfall for about 30 minutes early Wednesday. A mechanical failure at the Clover Point pump station is to blame.
The wastewater could pose a health risk, the CRD said, and warning signs have been posted at affected beaches.
The CRD is collecting water samples for testing.
The warnings will be removed once bacteria levels drop below recreational limits.
> Read the CRD advisory (PDF).
