Blue-green algae bloom confirmed on Bruce Mines, Ont. area lake

A blue-green algae bloom has been confirmed on a lake in Aberdeen Township, about 30 kilometres north of Bruce Mines, Ont., according to Algoma Public Health.

In a news release issued Thursday afternoon, the health unit said the bloom was found on Bass Lake, and lab results from a water sample taken by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change confirmed the presence of blue-green algae on Monday.

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"You can protect your health and that of your family, friends and pets during a blue-green algae bloom," Brett Donaldson, a public health inspector with the health unit was quoted as saying in the release.

"Do not drink the water and avoid activities that involve direct contact with it such as swimming, water skiing, and showering."

According to Algoma Public Health, the algae is naturally present in many ponds, lakes and streams, but under certain conditions, like when water is shallow, warm and slow-moving, can rapidly increase in numbers, forming a scum.

The toxins produced by some of these blooms can cause a number of ailments, ranging from itchy, irritated eyes and skin, to nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain if contaminated water is ingested, public health officials warned.

As a precautionary measure, Algoma Public Health is recommending that residents:

• Avoid drinking, swimming in, bathing or showering using the water, even if it passes through a treatment system;
• Avoid using bleach to treat water, as this can release toxins from the algae and will not make the water safe for drinking or cooking;
• Avoid eating 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.