Potentially toxic algae blooms hit Interior B.C. lakes

Some residents in B.C.'s Central Interior are being told to avoid drinking or bathing in their tap water following an outbreak of potentially toxic algae blooms.

A public advisory was issued to some communities outsidePrince George after a thick turquoise film giving off a pungent odour appeared on the shores of the Tachick and Cluculz lakes.

Health officials warned the blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, could compromise the water quality and say anyone who draws water from the lakes should stop.

Bruce Gaunt of the Northern Health Authority said even boiling the water will not make it safe.

"The thing about blue-green algae is, if it has the toxins and not all blue-green algae does the toxin is not destroyed by boiling of water. In fact, boiling of water might make things worse by destroying the cells, releasing [the toxins] into the water."

Mellissa Winfield of Environment Canada said the blooms are common at this time of year and show up in nutrient-rich environments.

"There's an increased incidence in areas where there is high surface run-off from fertilizers, agricultural livestock areas, any type of human input areas sewage discharge, detergents," said Winfield.

The blooms could last up to a month, said Winfield. And until they are gone, health officials warn the residents not to drink, bathe in or allow livestock or any pets access to water with visible blooms.