The Leeds, Grenville and Lanark District Health Unit is warning about the health risks of blue-green algae blooms.
Algae blooms happen often during the summer, and are normally harmless, but blue-green algae blooms can be dangerous. These algae blooms release toxins that cause sickness, skin irritation, and can lead to liver problems.
The Health Unit has advised people who get their drinking water from a lake or river to consult a specialist, or find a new source of water to drink from, if a blue-green algae bloom has occurred recently in your area. They’ve also asked anyone who thinks they’ve found an algae bloom to contact the Spills Action Center at 1-800-268-6060.