Blue-green algae bloom on Diamond Lake

NEWS RELEASE

ALGOMA PUBLIC HEALTH

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Algoma Public Health is advising residents and visitors of a confirmed blue-green algae bloom (cyanobacteria) on Diamond Lake in Johnson Township.

Laboratory results from a water sample taken on Monday, Dec. 5, 2016 by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change have come back today, Friday Dec. 9, 2016 confirming the presence of blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae are naturally present in ponds, lakes and streams but can quickly increase in numbers to form a scum called a bloom when water is shallow, slow moving and warm. Blooms most commonly occur in late summer and early fall.

Toxins produced by certain forms of blue-green algae can affect your health in two ways. Skin contact with the algae through washing or swimming can cause itchy, irritated eyes and skin.

Drinking water contaminated with the toxins can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. Liver or nervous system disease can also develop if toxins are consumed over a long period of time.

“You can protect your health and that of your family, friends and pets during a blue-green algae bloom” says Brett Donaldson, a public health inspector with Algoma Public Health. “Do not drink the water and avoid activities that involve direct contact with it such as swimming, water skiing, and showering.”

As a precautionary measure, Algoma Public Health recommends that residents:

• Not drink, swim in, bathe, or shower with the water, even water that passes through a treatment system since these systems are not capable of removing the toxins.
• Not use bleach to treat water as this can release toxins from the algae and will not make the water safe for drinking or cooking.
• Not eat fish caught during a blue-green algae bloom.
• Avoid activities involving direct contact with the water such as swimming and water skiing.
• Use alternative water sources such as bottled water or water obtained from a safe water supply.
• Restrict pet and livestock access to the water

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