By Rachel Fioret, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Woolwich Observer
There is a suspected bloom of blue-green algae at Grand River Conservation Authority’s locations: Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake, and Woolwich Reservoirs, with observations at each location.
Warm weather in early fall creates the ideal environment for algae to grow in large bodies of water. Under the right conditions, blue-green algae populations can grow rapidly and bloom or create scum on water surfaces.
“It’s important to note that the status of blue-green algae blooms can change rapidly depending on wind conditions and wave action,” said James Clark, Senior Communications and Marketing Advisor at the Grand River Conservation Authority.
“Currently, there is no known active bloom at Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake or Woolwich Lake. Staff continue to monitor Conestogo Lake, which had a very small amount of what could be blue-green algae on the shoreline earlier this week, and Snyder’s Flats, where a suspected bloom was reported in late September,” he shared.
It’s important to note that some varieties of blue-green algae can harm humans and animals as they produce toxins.
The Grand River Conservation Authority recommends taking precautions in the presence of blue-green algae:
Keep children and pets away from the algae.
Avoid contact with the algae.
Don’t eat fish from the lake.
Don’t use the water for drinking or any other purpose.
Boating is allowed, where permitted, but boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae.
Don’t swim in areas where you see scum or it is accumulating along the shoreline.
Signs are posted to caution the public, and notifications have been sent to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit.
To learn more about blue-green algae at GRCA locations, visit: https://www.grandriver.ca/our-watershed/water/surface-water-resources/algae/
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