SASKATCHEWAN — The Water Security Agency (WSA) is reminding the public to be cautious around blue-green algae in lakes and reservoirs.
Blue-green algae are naturally occurring bacteria that can be present in water bodies, particularly lakes and reservoirs. Often blue-green in colour, these algae can also form blooms that are bright blue, grey or tan in appearance. Blue-green algal blooms commonly occur during calm, hot weather in areas of lakes and reservoirs with shallow, slow-moving or still water that has sufficient nutrients.
As temperatures increase, patches of potentially harmful blue-green algal blooms can accumulate and appear as surface scum with shimmering, foamy or pea soup-like appearances. The blooms can last up to three weeks and can be pushed around the lake or reservoir by the wind. Many of Saskatchewan's southern lakes are prone to blue-green algae.
If you notice these signs, avoid direct contact with water where algae blooms are occurring. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible. Do not swim or allow your pets to swim in the area, do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake to your pets, and limit or eliminate human consumption of fish organs or shellfish caught in the lake.
Direct contact or unintended consumption of algae-contaminated water can cause red skin, sore throat, cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you have health-related questions about blue-green algae, please contact your local Saskatchewan Health Authority environmental health office.
For more information on public beaches in Saskatchewan, please refer to the Healthy Beaches Program updates; monitoring resumes this month.
