Talk:All About "blue-green algae"/@comment-24.139.21.44-20110820221536

From the Sudbury Health Unit Website. Blue-Green Algal Blooms Reported in the West Arm of Lake Nipissing Friday, August 19, 2011

The Ministry of the Environment has advised the Sudbury & District Health Unit that test results from the West Arm of Lake Nipissing west of Highway 64 are positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). Samples taken from the West Arm contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins.

“Water contaminated with blue-green algal blooms has an unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell,” said Allan McDougall with the Sudbury & District Health Unit. “Visible algal blooms can produce toxins; therefore, using or drinking the water should be avoided,” he added.

The highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets. Toxins can irritate the skin and, if ingested, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, toxins can cause liver and nervous system damage.

Blue green algae might also be observed in other parts of the lake. Because the blooms are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water action. Also, new blooms can appear. All residents on the lake should be vigilant for blooms in their area.

The Sudbury & District Health Unit advises people using lakes and rivers to be on the lookout for algal blooms. If blooms are visible: Avoid  using the water for drinking, bathing, or showering, and do not allow   children, pets, or livestock to drink or swim in the water. Lakeshore  residents with shallow drinking water intake pipes that might pump in   blue-green algae should be cautious. Residents  should not boil the water because boiling the water may release more toxins   into the water. Residents  should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the   water during cooking. Residents  should exercise caution with respect to eating fish caught in water where   blue-green algal blooms occur. Residents should not eat the liver, kidneys,  and other organs of fish caught in the water. Do  not treat the water with a disinfectant like bleach. This may break open algae  cells and release toxins into the water. Residents  should not rely on water jug filtration systems as they do not protect against   the toxins.

On lakes and rivers where blue-green algal blooms are confirmed, people who use the surface water for their private drinking water supply may wish to consider an alternate, protected source of water.

For more information, please call the Sudbury & District Health Unit at 705.522.9200, ext. 398, toll-free 1.866.522.9200, or visit www.sdhu.com.