Blue-Green Algae identified in Lake Scugog

DAN CEARNS The Standard

SCUGOG: The Region of Durham’s Health Department has announced, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has found the presence of blue-green algae in Lake Scugog.

A press release, dated Thursday, July 18th, states, the sample was taken from the lake “near Platten Island.”

“In the summer months, as weather conditions vary, there may be more occurrences of blue-green algae throughout Lake Scugog and other bodies of surface water in Durham Region. While there is currently no evidence of blue-green algae at Kinsmen Beach, due to the history of blue-green algae at Kinsmen Beach and the fact blue-green algae has been observed in another part of the lake, the Health Department will be posting advisory signs at Kinsmen Beach, as a precaution,” the health department wrote.

The health department also advised people, if they “observe algae mats ([which] may be blue-green, olive-green, or red in colour,) they are advised not to enter the water in the surrounding area, as some can produce toxins which may be harmful to humans and pets.”

The health department also asks residents “not to use the lake as a source of drinking water.”

Kinsmen beach is one of seven Durham Region beaches the health department has posted as unsafe for swimming notification in, as of Monday, July 15th. Beaverton South Beach, Thorah Centennial Park, Paradise Beach, and Iroquois Beach are some of the others.

The Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority’s website explains, Blue Green Algae “are microscopic, plant-like organisms [which] occur naturally in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. They are not actually a type of algae, but a bacteria known as cyanobacteria.”

“Normally, blue-green algae are not visible in the water, but when conditions are favourable, algal populations can rapidly increase to form a large mass in the water, called a bloom. Blooms are commonly found near docks and shoreline areas, in the late summer and early fall. They thrive in areas where the water is shallow, slow-moving and warm, but they may be present in deeper, cooler water. Dense blue-green algae blooms may make the water look bluish-green, like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Very dense blooms may form solid-looking clumps. Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage,” the website adds.