Algae found in area lakes could stick around "for remainder of season"
County residents looking to cool off this weekend should avoid Belwood and Conestogo lakes.
On Friday Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) officials confirmed the presence of blue-green algae at the lakes, as well as a third reservoir in Woolwhich.
“The algae may contain a toxin called microcystin, which can cause illness when ingested by people or animals,” states a Sept. 15 GRCA press release.
Officials say there have been no reports of human illness caused by the algae, but people should not swim in the lakes.
The public should also keep children and pets away from the algae, refrain from eating fish caught in the lakes and from drinking the water or using it for any other purpose.
Boating is allowed, but boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae, officials add.
“Warm, dry weather conditions are expected to persist through September and as a result, will be favourable for the development of further blue-green algae blooms in these reservoirs for the remainder of the season,” states the GRCA press release.
Algae blooms are a natural phenomenon that tend to occur during hot, dry weather. Algae feed on phosphorous, a chemical found naturally in soil, manure, fertilizers and human waste.
More information on blue-green algae is available at www.grandriver.ca
