THUNDER BAY — The Thunder Bay District Health Unit is reporting the first blue-green algae bloom of the 2023 season.
According to a statement issued by the TBDHU on Wednesday, the ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in a water sample collected on June 19 from Surprise Lake in Gorham Township.
The ministry is still analyzing the sample to determine if there are toxins present.
But the health unit said it's important to remember that water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about two weeks after it has dissipated, regardless of the toxin analysis results.
This is because blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to environmental conditions.
Toxin analysis usually takes four to five business days, and updates will be provided on the TBDHU website.
