File photo.
A bloom of blue-green algae has been found in Wasi Lake in Chisholm Township.
The Health Unit is warning residents and visitors to Wasi Lake to take the following precautions immediately:
- If you have a private water system, avoid using the water from the lake for drinking, cooking and bathing. Use another source of water for these purposes. NOTE: Boiling the water or using home water treatment devices will NOT destroy the toxins.
- Avoid swimming and other water sport activities that could increase the risk of algae material and toxins contacting your skin or being swallowed.
- Avoid using water from the lake for livestock or pets.
- Do not eat the liver, kidneys or other organs of fish caught in the water. Be cautious about eating the other parts of the fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur.
While the blue-green algae may not show the presence of toxins, there is always the risk that toxins could be produced. These toxins may stay in the water for up to three weeks after the algae bloom is gone.
After blue-green algae blooms have been detected in a body of water, staff at the Health Unit
and/or the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment cannot knowingly tell when it is safe
to use for private water systems.
For more information about blue-green algae, visit myhealthunit.ca
Blue-green algae, known as ‘pond scum’, are primitive microscopic bacteria that live in fresh water. They are usually hard to see, but during hot weather, they can rapidly grow to form a large mass, called a bloom.
Toxins can irritate the skin and, if ingested, cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, the toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage.
If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.
