Blue-green algae has been confirmed at a lake north of the city.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit on Thursday issued a news release stating that water samples taken at Surprise Lake on Aug. 13 have been confirmed as blue-green algae.
The water sample was taken along the shoreline of a property on Surprise Lake Road West, which is on the southwest side of the southern portion of the lake.
The health unit said water should be avoided when a blue-green algae bloom is present, and for two weeks after the bloom has dissipated.
Water with blue-green algae should not be used for drinking water or other household purposes. Swimmers should also avoid the water.
Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. They are usually present in low numbers but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, surface water that gets a lot of sun. When this happens, they can form blooms that make the water look like green pea soup or turquoise paint," the health unit said in a news release.
"When the bloom is very large, the harmful algae bloom may form scum or solid-looking clumps on the water surface. Some blue-green algae blooms produce toxins than pose a health risk to people and animals when consumed, inhaled, or even from skin contact. If contact with a blue-green algae bloom does occur, wash with soap and water and rinse with clean water to remove the algae."
