Environment ministry issues blue-green algae warning for Lake Scugog

Residents are advised not to use water in Lake Scugog following the discovery of blue-green algae blooms.

The Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in the area of Palmer Park in Port Perry, Ont.

Kawartha Conservation says toxins released by blue-green algae when it is dying or disturbed can pose health risks for humans and animals, such as headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

Bathing or showering in the water can result in skin rashes, swollen lips, eye irritations and redness, earaches and itchiness, sore throats, hay fever-like symptoms and asthma.

“It is difficult to predict when and where a bloom will occur and for how long the toxin associated with the algae will be present, as environmental conditions continually change.”

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Boiling water does not help as the process just kills the algae resulting in the release of more toxins into the water, according to Kawartha Conservation.

Fish can intake toxins from the algae as well. Anglers are advised to remove a fish’s internal organs before consuming fish caught in or near water affected by the algae.

“It is difficult to predict when and where a bloom will occur and for how long the toxin associated with the algae will be present, as environmental conditions continually change,” stated Kawartha Conservation.

READ MORE: Advisory issued in Saskatchewan for algae blooms

Kawartha Conservation says algae blooms, which can often give the water a pea soup appearance, can last up to three weeks and be pushed around the lake by the wind and currents.

Concerns should be directed to the Durham Health Department’s Environmental Helpline: 1-905-723-3818.

Water condition updates will be posted by the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit, Peterborough Public Health Unit and the Durham Region Health Department.