ALGAE BLOOMS IN SILVER LAKE, LAKE ST. JOHN
CENTRAL ONTARIO — Residents and visitors to Silver Lake, in Muskoka Lakes Township, and Lake St. John, in Ramara Township, are being cautioned about a confirmed cases of blue-green algae blooms.
In Silver Lake it’s centred in the south-west area and in the south end of Lake St. John.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) urges caution around the water suggesting you 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.
The Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will be further analyzing samples to determine the presence of any toxins.
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.
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 say blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
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.
