News Release- Blue Green Algae Bloom

BLUE-GREEN ALGAE IN LE GROU LAKE, ARNSTEIN, ON
The Health Unit advises that a bloom of toxin producing blue-green algae has been detected in Le Grou Lake, Township of Arnstein.



​Residents and visitors near this area in Le Grou Lake need to take the following precautions:

• If you use a private water system, do not use water from the lake for drinking, cooking and bathing. Boiling the water or using home water treatment devices will NOT destroy the toxins.
• Avoid swimming or other water sport activities that could increase the risk of algae material and toxins contacting your skin or being swallowed.
• Do not allow pets or livestock to swim in the water or drink the water.

• 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.
 
These precautions are effective immediately. The Health Unit and the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment Conservation and Parks cannot tell after blue-green algae blooms have been detected when the water is safe to use for private water systems.
 
You can find out more about blue-green algae, at myhealthunit.ca or call the Health Unit at
705-474-1400, ext. 5400 or 1-800-563-2808.
Quick Facts

• Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae or ‘pond scum’, are not really algae, but tiny bacteria.
• Although usually hard to see, during hot weather they can grow rapidly to form a large mass, called a bloom. Blooms continually change and are difficult to predict. Wind, temperature or sunlight could change where the bloom is located in the water.
• Even when a bloom has disappeared, toxins can persist in water bodies for a long time. 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.

 Click this link for more information:   Harmful  Algae Blooms FAQ

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