Blue-green algae found in Dog Lake

Blue-green algae (BGA) has been detected in Dog Lake.

The waterbody is located roughly 35 kilometres north of Thunder Bay.

The algae was found in samples collected from the lake on September 24.

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 water that gets a lot of sun.

The health unit says when this happens, the algae can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or turquoise paint.

The algae may form scum or solid-looking clumps on the water’s surface.

Some blooms produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed, inhaled, or even from skin contact.

Water in the lake should be avoided until about two weeks after the bloom ends.

You and your pets should not drink it, swim in it, or use it for household purposes.

If contact with a BGA bloom does occur, wash with soap and water and rinse with clean water to remove the algae.

Suspected BGA blooms should be reported to the Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.

More information about the algae can be found by clicking here.