UPDATE: ALGAE BLOOMS CONFIRMED IN IN KAHSHE, LEONARD, BLACK LAKES
Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com
MUSKOKA — Residents and visitors to Gravenhurst and Muskoka Lakes Township are being cautioned today about three confirmed blue-green algae blooms in local lakes.
The health unit issued the warnings this morning, Nov. 11, for the west side of Kahshe Lake, in Gravenhurst; and the north end of Black Lake and southeast side of Leonard Lake in Muskoka Lakes.
The health unit has sent out a correction for the location of the Leonard Lake bloom. It and now says: It affects the mid-western side of Leonard Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom. This is a correction to the new release issued on November 11 indicating the bloom was located on the southeast side.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is asking residents and visitors to exercise caution where blue-green algae is visible and to take the following precautions:
- do not use the lake water for the preparation of infant formula
- do not allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible
- be cautious about eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur
- do not use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water
- avoid swimming and other water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible
They say the blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
And that many species of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals.
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will be further analyzing samples to determine the presence of any toxins.
Symptoms from consuming toxins from a blue-green algae bloom can include headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.
The health unit and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will continue to work together to monitor the algal bloom and updates will be provided on our website (www.smdhu.org) as we receive new information.
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.
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