THUNDER BAY — Testing has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected from Lake Superior in the Shuniah area.
The sample was taken on July 25 near Scott Drive, roughly 10 kilometres east of the Mackenzie Point conservation area, the Thunder Bay District Health Unit reported on Friday.
Residents should avoided drinking, swimming in, or using water when a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about two weeks after it dissipates, the health unit advises.
If contact with a bloom does occur, the health unit suggests washing the area with soap and clean water.
Residents can learn more about blue-green algae at the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website, the health unit suggests.
Questions about water sampling can be directed to the ministry's Thunder Bay office at (807) 475-1205. Questions about the health effects of blue-green algae can be directed to the health unit at (807) 625-5900.
TBnewswatch has reached out to the ministry for more information but had not received a response Friday.
Pets are also vulnerable to the microscopic organisms, also known as cyanobacteria, that make up the blooms.
The organisms are naturally present in lakes and streams, usually in low numbers, but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow surface water under sunny conditions.
When this happens, they can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Some blue-green algae blooms produce toxins that are harmful to human and animal health when consumed, inhaled, or even from skin contact.
Blue-green algae blooms were historically relatively rare in Northwestern Ontario, but have become more common in recent years. The health unit has warned that trend is expected to worsen as climate change causes water temperatures to rise.
Residents who spot a suspected blue-green algae bloom can report it to the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
