By Laine Mitchell (Twitter: @Laine_Mitchell)

Blue-green algae advisory for Buck Lake

Aug 9, 2018 | 3:51 PM

A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in areas of Buck Lake.

Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.

Residents living near the shores of the lake as well as visitors to the lake are advised to take the following precautions:

– Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.

– Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is visible.

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– Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.

– Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).

Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another. As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Buck Lake  until further notice.  

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online, at www.ahs.ca/bga.