The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae (BGA):
- In a water sample collected at Two Island Lake on August 22, 2024. Two Island lake is located approximately 25 km northwest of the City of Thunder Bay.
- In a water sample collected on August 27, from a private beach off of McKenzie Beach Avenue on Lake Superior (McKenzie Beach Avenue on the McKenzie Bay side, not the Amethyst Bay side), about 10km north-east of Thunder Bay.
Water should be avoided whenever a BGA bloom is present, and for about 2 weeks after it has gone away. It is important to avoid:
- drinking the water;
- using it for household purposes; or
- swimming in it.
Keep pets away from the water. Their smaller size and habit for drinking lake water makes them more vulnerable.
BGA are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, surface water that gets a lot of sun. When this happens, they can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or turquoise paint. The harmful algae bloom may form scum or solid-looking clumps on the water surface and produce toxins than pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed, inhaled, or from skin contact. If contact with BGA occurs, wash with soap and water and rinse with clean water to remove the algae. BGA blooms in lakes in our region have been relatively uncommon, historically. However, with changing climate and rising water temperatures they may become more common.
Blue-Green Algae Contacts and Information
Suspected BGA blooms should be reported to the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
For more information on BGA blooms, please visit the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks website. Water sampling questions can be directed to the MECP office in Thunder Bay at 807-475-1205.
Questions about BGA health effects can be directed to a Public Health Inspector at 807-625-5900.
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