Blue-green algae detected at three local reservoirs: GRCA
Posted Sep 16, 2017 06:52:44 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
A word of caution from the Grand River Conservation Authority.
They say blue-green algae has been detected in the Conestogo, Belwood and Woolwich reservoirs.
Cam Linwood, GRCA Communications and Development Coordinator, says you’ll definitely want to keep kids and pets away from it.
“You’ll certainly notice the algae.. it’s very thick, it’s a blue-green colour, and it’s on the surface of the water,” he says. “Now, any of that algae may contain a toxin called microcystin, which can cause pretty significant illness in both animals and people.”
Linwood says the presence of this type of algae is actually pretty common for this time of year.
“We already saw a bit of an early start back in July,” says Linwood. “But with this warm, dry weather — we’ll certainly see more favourable conditions for the development of this algae, and I do expect that we’ll see more.”
Linwood adds that as temperatures begin to cool and we head into late fall, we should see most of the algae die off.
In the meantime, we’re advised to keep these tips in mind:
-Don’t swim in the reservoir.
-Keep children and pets away from the algae.
-Avoid contact with the algae.
-Don’t eat fish from the lake.
-Don’t use the water for drinking or any other purpose.
Boating is allowed, where permitted, but boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae.
