Suspected Blue-Green Algae At Kenora Area Lake
The Northwestern Health Unit has issued another warning of possible Blue-green Algae in a northwestern Ontario lake.
The latest report comes from Granite Lake near Kenora.
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks is now testing the bloom to see if it’s Blue-green Algae.
The public is asked to treat it as though it is Blue-green Algae which produces toxins and can pose a health risk to people and animals when they are exposed to them in large amounts.
With the water in the region warming there is an increased risk of the blooms.
Do not dink the water and avoid swimming or household use.
Blue-green Algae, or cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that gets a lot of sun. When this happens, they can form blooms that discolour the water or produce floating scum on the surface of the water. Blooms often make the water look blue-green or olive-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
Earlier this month a similar report came from Thunder Lake in Dryden.
The Health Unit is still waiting for the toxicology results to come back in that case.
If you spot a bloom, report it the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
If you have questions contact the Northwestern Health Unit at 1-800-830-5978 to speak with a public health inspector.
