Province says blue-green algae detected in 4 Nova Scotia lakes

The Nova Scotia government has detected blue-green algae in Oat Hill Lake in Dartmouth,Armstrong Lake and Lake Torment in Kings County,andCovey Lake in Lunenburg County.

The algae produces toxins that can cause illness in humans and can be fatal to pets.

Blue-green algae occurs in all parts of Nova Scotia and once it appears in a body of water, it will bloom again when the conditions are right.

Nova Scotia is likely to see moreblooms with increasing climate change and incidences of extreme heat and precipitation.

How to find out about blue-green algae blooms

Nova Scotia'sDepartment of Environment and Climate Change posts alist of potential blue-green algae bloomsonline and shares reports on social media

The province's website onblue-green algaesays it can appearturquoise, green, brown, red, white or a mixof these colours. It saysblooms can "look like fine grass clippings in the water, spilled paint or pea soup," and cansometimes appear asa thick scum on the surface.

Once dried, the province saysblue-green algae canappear brown or grey.Animals are attracted to the scentand may try to eat it. It says to keepchildren and pets away from algae mats.

People and pets shouldn't drink, swim, bathe, shower or brushteeth with the water.

Anyone who has inadvertently come into contact with blue-green algae isadvised by the province towash themselves and any items that have come in contact with it.