Small blue-green algae bloom confirmed in Ten Mile Bay
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has confirmed a
small
blue-green algae bloom in a shallow bay on the eastern end of Ten Mile Bay, Lake of Bays. Water sampling has been conducted to determine if toxins are present, but the results have not yet been received. In the meantime, the SMDHU is cautioning residents and businesses not to drink water from the lake
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 boil water or use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides as this may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.
- Avoid swimming and other water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible.
READ
> learn more about blue-green algae and what to do if you suspect a bloom
The Lake of Bays Association Environment Chair Caroline Konarzewski and Safety Chair Pat Birnie are, and will continue to, collect information about this bloom and consult with experts, however we encourage residents in the area to monitor the
SMDHU
and
Township of Lake of Bays
websites for the most up-to-date information.
We would like to note that this bloom was reported on the MuskokaRegion.com website today. The image associated with the story was NOT a picture of the bloom in Ten Mile Bay, but a stock image of a much larger bloom.
