Algae Bloom Water Advisory Now On Cluculz Lake
By 250 News
Thursday, September 11, 2008 11:22 AM
Prince George, B.C. - The water quality advisory initially issued for Tachik Lake, has been expanded. The Ministry of Environment in conjunction with the Northern Health Authority is now advising the public that area lakes and associated backwaters across the Omineca Region may be susceptible to blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms which may pose a health risk for livestock, humans and wildlife.
Blooms have been reported and confirmed at Tachick Lake and Cluculz Lake and may be visible in other regional waterbodies. Blue-green algae blooms are relatively common throughout the Omineca-Peace region. Seasonal conditions and the fall turnover in lakes may be creating ideal conditions for blue-green algae growth. This condition is generally called a “bloom” and is typically seen on the water surface as “pea soup”, or a thick, oily, often turquoise/whitish slick. Although algae blooms are a naturally occurring phenomenon, water bodies which have been enriched with phosphorus from human sewage, livestock waste, fertilizers and/or detergents may experience enhanced growth of algae.
The Ministry of Environment is monitoring the progression of reported algae blooms, and is collecting samples to identify the species of blue-green algae and the presence of potential toxins.
These blooms are unsightly, strong smelling and, if ingested, may be toxic to livestock, humans or wildlife. Because of the objectionable appearance and odour of these blooms, older children and adults are not likely to intentionally drink water containing blooms. Younger children who may be less careful should not be allowed to swim or wade in lakes with visible floating blooms. Blooms are often most concentrated along shores that are exposed to onshore wind.
If water containing toxic cyanobacteria is ingested, symptoms such as fever, dizziness, headaches, stomach cramps, vomiting or sore throat may appear and persist for several days. Exposure to the toxins by swimmers has resulted in symptoms that include skin rash and irritation around the eyes.
Because bloom toxicity is difficult to confirm all blooms should be treated seriously and the following precautions followed if a toxic bloom is suspected:
- do not wade or swim in water containing visible blooms. Contact with blooms may cause skin irritation.
- do not allow livestock or pets access to water containing visible blooms.
- do not take drinking water directly from waterbodies with visible blooms. While all potable water from surface sources should be disinfected, this will not destroy toxins generated by cyanobacteria. These toxins are also temperature resistant and will not break down through boiling.
Most blooms are short lived and an affected area will likely be safe in a number of days or up to two weeks.
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Posted by: Death to Socialism on September 11 2008 2:15 PM