THUNDER BAY – The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected at Surprise Lake.
According to a Thunder Bay District Health Unit release, the ministry is conducting toxin analysis on the water sample collected on Sept. 16.
Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams, but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow surface water which receives a lot of sun.
When this happens, they can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
Some blooms produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed, inhaled, or even from skin contact.
The TBDHU said water with blue-green algae should be avoided for about two weeks after the algae has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results.
This is because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to weather conditions.
Toxin analysis typically takes four to five business days, and updates are provided on the TBDHU website.
