Blue-green algae spotted on Guelph Lake

GUELPH/ERAMOSA – Blue-green algae has been spotted at a third Wellington County lake.

“A suspected blue-green algae bloom has been observed at Guelph Lake Conservation Area,” stated a Sept. 12 press release from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).

The environment ministry and public health have been notified.

The announcement comes weeks after the GRCA closed the beaches at Belwood Lake (Aug. 27) and Conestogo Lake (Aug. 22) conservation areas.

Both closures were due to blue-green algae blooms, which are discovered pretty much every summer at Belwood, Conestogo and/or Guelph Lakes, as hot weather creates “the perfect conditions” for it to grow in large bodies of water, officials say.

“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 users of Guelph Lake should take precautions to avoid the algae.