ALGAE BLOOM IN THREE MILE LAKE’S HAMMELL’S BAY, HEALTH UNIT CONFIRMS

UTTERSON — Health and Ministry of Environment officials today are monitoring an algae outbreak here in Three Mile Lake.

Residents and visitors to the Utterson area in Muskoka Lakes Township are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the north end of Hammell’s Bay.

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) urges everyone to take 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

SMDHU says blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.

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 (MECP) 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 MECP will continue to work together to monitor the algal bloom and updates will be provided on our website (www.smdhu.org/algae) as we receive new information.

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.

Three Mile Lake is north east of Port Carling and west of Port Sydney.

Algae blooms have been a common concern on Three Mile Lake for years. (Three Mile Lake Association photo Paul Bennett)