GRCA spots blue-green algae on Guelph Lake

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) officials are urging Guelph Lake users to take precautions after recently spotting blue-green algae on the lake.

"The presence of a suspected small blue-green algae bloom has been observed at the northeast shoreline, and near the dam," GRCA officials stated in a Sept. 17 press release.

They added a Sept. 1 algae notice about Belwood Lake remains in effect.

Blue-green algae is discovered pretty much every summer at Belwood, Conestogo and/or Guelph lakes, as hot weather creates conditions for it to grow in large bodies of water.

"There is permanent signage at these locations advising visitors of the potential for blue-green algae blooms and precautions that should be taken," the GRCA stated.

Officials say Guelph Lake visitors, recreational users and cottagers should take the following precautions:

• keep children and pets away from the algae;
• avoid contact with the algae;
• don’t eat fish from the lake;
• don’t use the water for drinking or any other purpose;
• boating is allowed, where permitted, but boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae; and
• don’t swim in areas “where you see scum, or it is accumulating along the shoreline.”

The GRCA has informed officials with the environment ministry and Wellington Dufferin Guelph Public Health, the press release stated.

Anyone with health-related questions can contact public health.

“Blue-green algae thrive on nutrients from fields and lawns that find their way into local waterways and reservoirs during heavy rainfall and spring melts and cause their populations to grow rapidly, forming blooms or scum on the surface of the water,” states the GRCA release.

“Some varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets.”

Officials say when blooms start to grow, “a noticeable green or brown scum will form on the surface of water bodies and the water look like green or bluish-green pea soup.

“Once blue-green algae are in full bloom, it may look like spilled ‘paint’ along the shoreline.

“A new blue-green algal bloom often smells like fresh cut grass, while an older bloom can smell like rotting garbage.”

For more information visit the GRCA website.