Health authorities are urging residents to avoid the water in two Kenora-area locations due to possible blue-green algae.
Reported blooms at Anicinabe Beach in Kenora, and Spruce Lake, just west of the city, are being tested by Ontario’s Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks for the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
Some blue-green algae blooms produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed or inhaled, or even from skin contact.
In a release Friday, the Northwestern Health Unit warned residents not to drink, swim, or bathe in the water in the two locations.
“Residential water treatment systems may not remove toxins and should not be relied on during a bloom event,” the agency stated. “Do not boil the water, as this can cause an increase in toxin levels. Municipally treated water supplies can be used normally unless you are notified otherwise.”
If contact does occur, residents are urged to wash skin with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove.
It’s recommended to wait at least two weeks after a bloom disappears before resuming normal use. More information is available online.
Anyone who sees a bloom should report it to the Spills Action Centre at 1-866-663-8477. Residents can find up-to-date information on reported blue-green algae blooms at the NWHU website.
