The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit has received an updated report regarding an algae bloom on Lake St. Clair.
They state they received test results following routine sampling - showing levels that exceed acceptable limits.
If you live near an area where a bloom has developed or if you have recently observed a bloom follow these safety measures:
- Do not drink or use the lake water for food preparation, including infant formula.
- Use an alternate source of safe drinking water, such as bottled water, for the duration of the bloom.
- Do not boil and drink water that may contain blue-green algae because toxins are not destroyed by boiling and boiling may increase toxins.
- Do not swim and avoid water sports where a bloom is present.
- Do not allow pets to drink lake water during a blue-green algae bloom as they may suffer serious health risks, including death.
The Health Unit stated on July 23 that there was visual confirmation of the bloom on the lake near Stoney Point.
Blue-green algae usually presents itself in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that gets a lot of sun.
When this happens, they can form blooms that discolour the water or produce floating scum on the surface of the water.