Lake near Parry Sound has algae bloom for the first time

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is notifying the public that a harmful algae bloom (cyanobacteria), also known as blue-green algae, has been found in Bear Lake for the first time. (File)

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is notifying the public that a harmful algae bloom (cyanobacteria), also known as blue-green algae, has been found in Bear Lake for the first time.

“Species of the algae capable of producing toxins harmful to humans and animals were confirmed by the laboratory of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks,” the health unit said in a news release Tuesday.

“The toxins in harmful algae can irritate the skin and, if swallowed, cause diarrhea and vomiting.”

Residents of Bear Lake may be affected depending on their closeness to the algae bloom, the size of the lake, wind direction, water flow, and other environmental conditions that cannot be predicted or controlled.

“Due to the many factors involved, it cannot be determined where and when there are toxins,” the health unit said.

“Users are advised to exercise their judgment before using the water.”

For details on the sampling process, contact the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

If you live near where a bloom was detected or where a bloom is visible, follow these safety measures:

• Do not use the water. This includes drinking, cooking, bathing, and brushing teeth. Note: Using a private water system or boiling the water will not destroy the toxins.

• Do not swim and avoid water sports when a bloom is present.

• If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.

• Limit the amount of fish flesh you eat. Some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish. Do not eat the liver, kidneys and other organs. Be careful not to cut the organs when filleting.

• The health unit has not closed the beaches, but rather advises individuals that they need to take caution in the area.

You can find out more about harmful algae here (myhealthunit.ca/algae) or by calling 1-705-474-1400, ext. 5400, or 1-800-563-2808.

Cyanobacteria – also called harmful algae, blue-green algae or ‘pond scum’ – are not really algae, but tiny bacteria.

Although usually hard to see, during hot weather they can grow rapidly to form a large mass, called a bloom. Blooms continually change and are difficult to predict. Wind, temperature or sunlight could change where the bloom is in the water.

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The health unit notifies the public and media when a bloom has been detected in a lake for the first time (i.e., it has not been detected previously), and ensures municipalities post appropriate signage at the lake’s public access points to allow the public to make educated decisions on their water activities.

Climate change is creating conditions that are more favourable to harmful algal blooms. Warmer air and water temperatures, more precipitation events, and droughts can all affect the growth and toxicity of algal blooms.

Dense harmful algae blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Very dense blooms may form solid-looking clumps.

Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage.

Blooms are not able to be removed from the water, however they can come and go throughout the season. Even when a bloom has disappeared, toxins can survive in water bodies for a period of time.

Long-term toxin exposure at high levels may cause liver and nervous system damage.