THUNDER BAY — Campers and residents of One Island Lake are being cautioned after the discovery of blue-green algae in a recently-collected water sample.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit issued a news release Wednesday saying the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has confirmed that blue-green algae was present in a sample collected on Aug. 12.
The announcement did not indicate which part of the lake the algae was found in.
Water should be avoided whenever a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for about two weeks after it has dissipated.
Pets should also be kept away from the water.
Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams, but their numbers may increase rapidly in warm, shallow surface water exposed to sunlight.
Some blooms produce toxins that pose a health risk to people and animals.
Blue-green algae was also confirmed at Trout Lake in late June.
Anyone spotting a suspected bloom should report it to the Ontario Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
