Algae Blooms
The many freshwater lakes in Lake Country occasionally experience algae blooms, particularly during spring runoff. Blooms are the result of nutrients entering the aquatic system and causing excessive growth of algae. Not all algae blooms are harmful, but some like blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, should be avoided.
Working with the Interior Health Authority (IHA), the District of Lake Country samples local freshwater lakes for testing by IHA throughout the year. If a harmful algae bloom is detected, IHA advises the District to post signage. Signage will be placed at the public beach access points of the impacted lake. The District will also notify the public via its e-notification system. When the harmful bloom has disappeared, IHA will advise the District that the signs can be removed and
e-notification subscribers will be automatically notified by email.
SUBSCRIBE – to receive email notification.
Visit Public Beaches | Environmental & Seasonal Health | IH (interiorhealth.ca) to view Interior Health's public beach advisories.
Algae Bloom Frequently Asked Questions
|
What are cyanobacteria blooms? |
|
|
|
What do cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms look and smell like? |
|
Cyanobacteria can cause blooms in a range of colours, including blue-green, bright blue, green, brown or red/pink, and often smell musty or grassy. Depending on the species, composition, and age of the bloom, it may appear like pea soup or paint-like, small grass clippings, globs or bead-like, fluffy, or pom-pom-like. Decomposing blooms can appear discoloured (white) and smell of ammonia. Go to Algae Watch for photos of cyanobacteria blooms. |
| What if I see a Bloom? |
|
Although not all blooms are toxic, it's not always clear which ones can be harmful. Take the following precautions if you see a bloom:
Submit your cyanobacteria bloom observation using the online Algae Watch Observation submission form. For more information visit: Algae Watch - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) |
|
How long will a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom last? |
|
Not all blooms are easy to see. Some blooms can cover part or all of a water surface and may last days, weeks, months or all year, and can even grow during winter when water may be covered in snow or has turned to ice. |
|
Are cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) blooms harmful? |
|
Cyanobacteria can produce several types of toxins that can be poisonous to people, pets or livestock. |
|
How can I be exposed to cyanobacteria? |
|
You can be exposed to cyanobacteria by drinking water or by getting it on your skin during recreational activities (swimming, boating or waterskiing, etc.). Exposure can also occur through consumption of food or drink contaminated with cyanobacteria. Boiling water will not remove cyanobacteria toxins from the water. |
|
What are the health risks of exposure to cyanobacteria? |
|
Some cyanobacteria toxins can affect the nervous and respiratory systems. Symptoms are visible shortly after exposure, others affect the liver and can take days to appear. Symptoms from drinking water with cyanobacteria toxins include: headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers and blistering of the lips. Symptoms from contact with water contaminated with cyanobacteria include: skin rashes and irritation of the ears and eyes. If you have any of the symptoms listed above and believe they may be from exposure to cyanobacteria, see your health care provider. |
|
If I get my drinking water from a lake with a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom, what should I do? |
|
Never drink untreated water from lakes, ponds or wetlands. Boiling water does not remove cyanobacteria toxins and can even increase the concentration of toxins. Consider using an alternate drinking water source if your water source has an algae bloom. |
|
How can I prevent illness from cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)? |
|
|
How do cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) affect livestock and pets? |
|
Cyanobacteria toxins can harm pets and livestock if they come in contact with contaminated water. They may be exposed either by drinking, wading or playing. Some of the symptoms of exposure include jaundice (yellowing of the white of the eye) and sensitivity to sunlight. Never let pets or livestock drink, eat fish, or go into the water if there are visible blooms. Always ensure you are providing a safe source of drinking water. |
|
Who do I call if I want to report a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom in BC? |
|
Submit your cyanobacteria bloom observation using the online Algae Watch Observation submission form. For more information visit: Algae Watch - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) If you have cyanobacteria bloom concerns related to drinking water or recreational water use, contact Interior Health at 250-549-5714 (Vernon Health Centre – Environmental Public Health). |
|
What should I do if have been exposed to a cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) bloom in BC? |
|
If you, or your pet, have become unwell after contact with water that you think may be contaminated with cyanobacteria, we strongly recommend that you seek immediate medical or veterinary advice. |
|
Interior Health Public Beaches |
|
Find information about recreational beach water quality and Interior Health's advisories at Public Beaches | Environmental & Seasonal Health | IH (interiorhealth.ca) |
Cyanobacteria (commonly called blue-green algae) are a type of bacteria that occur naturally in freshwater bodies including ponds, wetlands, and shorelines of lakes, streams and rivers. It is more common for them to grow in shallow, slow moving or still water. When conditions are favourable, the amount of cyanobacteria in a water body can increase very quickly and a dense mass called a bloom will form. When in doubt, stay out!
