MUSKOKA LAKES, ON- A Muskoka lake has a confirmed algae bloom this week.
According to the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, the provincial environment ministry has let the unit know about laboratory testing that confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom.
The bloom is in the Dee Bank area of Three Mile Lake, at the west end of the body of water.
Wind and water currents can change the location of blooms, which may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
Swimming and other water sport activities should also be avoided in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is visible.
Residents of the area are being advised to not use the lake water for drinking or food preparation, including the preparation of formula. Boiling the water won’t destroy the toxins, and home treatment systems shouldn’t be relied on.
“Exposure to blue-green algae, whether for drinking, swimming, cooking or through eating fish caught from the Dee Bank area of Three Mile lake, may result in illness,” read the health unit’s announcement.
“Adverse health effects are mainly caused by drinking water that is contaminated with blue-green algae toxins. Symptoms from consuming toxins can include headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.”
The authorities will continue to monitor the lake, and updates will be released by the health unit.