Lake Rosseau joins Three Mile Lake as confirmed blue-green algae sites

MUSKOKA LAKES TOWNSHIP — Blue-green algae is doubling down.

Health warnings have been issued across the region warning about blue-green algae.

After first being suspected in Three Mile Lake again this summer, it is now in part of Lake Rosseau.

Friday, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) learned from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) that laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom in both Three Mile Lake and the Clark Falls area of Lake Rosseau.

They say in a release, also Aug. 17, that wind and water currents can change the location of algae blooms, which may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint, a caution is therefore being issued around both lakes.

That means swimming and other water sport activities should be avoided in areas where the blue-green algae bloom is visible.

The health unit also warns residents around Three Mile Lake and the Clark Falls area of Lake Rosseau to avoid using the lake water for drinking or food preparation, including making breastmilk substitute (infant formula).

Boiling the water will not destroy the toxins, and home treatment systems should not be relied on.

They say exposure to blue-green algae, whether for drinking, swimming, cooking or through eating fish caught from the lakes, may result in illness.

Adverse health effects are mainly caused by drinking water that is contaminated with blue-green algae toxins. Symptoms from consuming toxins can include headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.

SMDHU and the MECP will continue to monitor both lakes and updates will be posted on the health unit’s website at www.smdhu.org/algae.

The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit also reports that blue-green algae has been found in Rankin Lake (east area), Township of Seguin, Pickerel Lake (south area), Township of Armour, and the Township of Armour.

To learn more about blue-green algae visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or call Health Connection weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.