Skin irritation, red eyes, nausea, cramps, a sore throat and diarrhea are some signs you may have contacted blue-green algae, a substance that forms on bodies of water during hot weather.
With the recent stretch of extreme heat throughout the province, the Water Security Agency (WSA) and the Ministry of Health are advising the public to avoid direct contact and intended or unintended consumption of any surface water where blue-green algae blooms occur.
Pet owners and livestock producers are advised to keep their animals away from such water since the water can be toxic in high enough doses, said Sean Osmar with the WSA. In addition, dogs can be particularly affected by consuming this water since they can lose their hair and suffer internal injuries.
Recreational users should also be aware of these blooms when using the lakes or when they are fishing. Fishermen should not consume any shellfish or fish — including the internal organs — they pull from lakes where there are blue-green algae since it would be unsafe.
Algae blooms are heavy concentrations of blue-green and green algae that often given the water a shimmering, foamy and pea soup-like appearance. The blooms could be blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in colour. The recent warm temperatures may result in quick formations of algae blooms.
There have not been any official reports of such blooms at Lake Diefenbaker or Buffalo Pound Lake, but Osmar noted there have been anecdotal stories of blooms popping up at Buffalo Pound.
The algae blooms commonly occur during calm, hot weather in lakes and reservoirs with shallow, slow-moving or still water with sufficient nutrients. The blooms can last up to three weeks and can be pushed around the lake or reservoir by the wind.
Residents are urged to contact their health-care provider if they believe they have encountered blue-green algae and have any symptoms. Any health-related questions about blue-green algae can be answered by calling 811 or contacting the region’s environmental health office at 306-766-7755 or [email protected].
For more information about beaches in Saskatchewan, visit the Healthy Beach Program website.
