07/03/2025
Enjoying the warm weather? ☀️ Before you jump in that lake, be sure to check for algae blooms!
Algae are a natural part of our water ecosystems in the Interior Health region. Blue-green algae are also found in our ecosystems like lakes. However, blue-green algae are actually a microscopic bacteria called cyanobacteria. 🦠
In the warmer spring and summer months, cyanobacteria can multiply very quickly and produce several types of toxins that can be poisonous to people, pets and livestock.
How to stay safe:
🚫 Stay out of lakes where cyanobacteria blooms are visible
🛶 Avoid swimming and recreational activities like paddleboarding, waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking or boating, which can splash water on your skin
🚿 If you do come in contact with water in which there are blue-green algae blooms, rinse off with clean water
🚰 Consider using an alternate source for drinking water if the bloom is in your drinking water source. Boiling the water will not remove any toxins. Contact your water supplier for more information: https://drinkingwaterforeveryone.ca/
🍳 Never cook, wash dishes or do laundry in water contaminated with blooms
🐕 Consider providing pets and livestock with an alternative source of drinking water
Common symptoms from exposure can include headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers, blisters on lips, rashes, and irritation of eyes and ears. If you're showing any of these symptoms and believe they might be from exposure to blue-green algae, contact your health-care provider or call 8-1-1.
Learn more: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/stories/why-you-should-avoid-water-blue-green-algae-blooms
