Pier 4 Park beach closed due to blue-green algae bloom

The city's Public Health Services is warning beachgoers to stay away from the water at Pier 4 Park beach.

The concentration of toxin-producing blue-green algae has been measured at above 10 parts per billion and the water has the potential to cause adverse health affects to those who touch it.

A news release on Thursday from public health said anyone who accidentally comes into contact with the water should wash themselves off with clean water as soon as possible. Pets should also be kept away from the water.

Stay away from the water

Blue-green algae has the potential to produce toxins and skin irritants. Contact with contaminated water can cause irritation and itching of the skin. Exposure to the toxins created by blue-green algae can cause headaches, fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, skin rashes and mucous membrane irritation.

Anyone who has recently been in direct contact with the waters of Pier 4 beach and suffering from the symptoms above should consult their doctor, public health said.

Public health said blue-green algae blooms have been observed at several locations along the western shoreline of Hamilton Harbour. The water was tested and was found to be above 10 parts per billion at the Harbour West Marina and the Bayfront Park boat launch.

Bayfront Park beach is closed for the 2016 swimming season due to high levels of E. coli and toxin-producing blue-green algae.

Public health said the safety of Hamilton's drinking water supply is not affected by this situation.

For more on the water quality at Hamilton's beaches, visit hamilton.ca/beaches.