THUNDER BAY — For the first time this year, the presence of blue-green algae has been verified in a Thunder Bay-area lake.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks confirmed that the microscopic organisms were found in a water sample taken on June 24 at Trout Lake.
BGA are naturally present in lakes and streams, but usually in low numbers.
They can increase rapidly in warm, shallow surface water exposed to long periods of sunlight, and may form blooms that make the water appear like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
Some blooms produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals.
TBDHU advises that water should be avoided whenever a bloom is present, and for about two weeks after it has dissipated.
Last year there were eight confirmed occurrences of blue-green algae in lakes across the District of Thunder Bay.
Anyone spotting suspected blue-green algae can report it to the Ontario Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
More information is available online.
