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Harmful Algae Blooms

Stay Informed on Harmful Algae Blooms

Update: Harmful Algae Blooms have been resolved in Lake Simcoe (Southwest Shoreline), and Kempenfelt Bay (Southeast Shoreline) as of July 22, 2024.  Routine sampling for the public beaches will resume tomorrow, July 23, 2024.

For more information please visit:  www.smdhu.org/algae.


Harmful Algae Blooms: What You Need to Know

What is a Harmful Algae Bloom?

Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in (usually a still standing) body of water. These blooms can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the algae type, and become visible to the naked eye. Some blooms are easy to spot, while others may be harder to see as they grow near the bottom of water bodies. It's important to note that you cannot determine if a water body has a harmful bloom just by looking at it.

Symptoms and Illness from Blue-Green Algae

There are several types of blue-green algae, some of which can produce toxins known as cyanotoxins. Exposure to these toxins can occur through swallowing contaminated water, swimming, wading, or playing in or near contaminated water. Symptoms of exposure may include:

  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Neurological symptoms (e.g., muscle weakness, dizziness)
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Liver damage

Exposure to contaminated water can also cause irritation of the skin, eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. If you suspect you have symptoms caused by blue-green algae, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Risks to Dogs and Other Animals

Animals, especially dogs, are at a higher risk of poisoning from cyanotoxins due to their behaviors such as swimming in contaminated waters, drinking contaminated water, eating dead fish or animals near a bloom, and licking algae or scum from their fur. Symptoms of cyanotoxin exposure in animals can include vomiting, staggered walking, difficulty breathing, or even death. If your pet has been in contaminated water, wash them off with clean water immediately and contact a veterinarian if they show signs of illness.

Recent Incidents in Innisfil

July 2024, there have been reports of possible blue-green algae blooms along the Innisfil shoreline, prompting public health warnings. Residents and visitors are advised to avoid contact with the water in affected areas and to keep pets away as well.

InnServices Harmful Algae Bloom Monitoring

InnServices conducts rigorous monitoring for harmful algae blooms from June 1 to October 31 each year. Water utility operation staff perform daily visual inspections at the shoreline of Lake Simcoe, particularly at Innisfil Beach Park, checking for signs of algal blooms. These signs include water that appears unusually cloudy or the presence of fine grass clippings or small clumps. Photographs are taken to document daily inspections.

InnServices Source Water Quality Monitoring

During the harmful algae bloom monitoring period, weekly raw and treated water samples are collected at the Lakeshore water treatment plant. These samples are sent to a licensed laboratory to test for Total Microcystin, ensuring concentrations remain below the maximum allowable level of 1.5 micrograms per liter.

Staying Safe

To stay safe during periods of harmful algae blooms, avoid swimming, wading, or playing in water that appears contaminated. Keep pets and livestock away from the water and avoid consuming fish caught in affected areas. Always follow public health advisories and report any suspected algal blooms to local authorities.

For more information on harmful algae blooms and to stay updated on current advisories, visit the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit website.

If you see suspicious algae, stay away and notify the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

Stay informed and stay safe.