Blue Green Algae

The words "Blue Green Algae" raise concern with just about anyone associated with Cottage Country and who may be swimming in or drinking "treated" water from lakes.

This photo, recently taken on our lake, shows a turquoise coloured variant of algae. While not identified "officially" as a blue-green algae, it's behaviour and appearance was certainly similar to that of blue-green algae.

Not all types of blue-green algae produce toxins, but it is wise to be educated and cautious.

Information is available on the webpage of the Haliburton - Kawartha - Pine Ridge (HKPR) Health Unit that explains safety involving Blue Green Algae. You can also learn about the ineffectiveness of water purification processes in removing it from our lake water.

Here's a link to the HKPR Health Unit's web page:

http://www.hkpr.on.ca/InfoSet/Environments/BlueGreenAlgae.aspx

While on the web page, you can also learn about the causes of Blue Green Algae developing in a lake. And knowing that information, you can actively take steps to reduce the chances of further development in Loon Lake.

And here's a link to the HKPR's  fact sheet:

http://www.hkpr.on.ca/Portals/0/PDF%20Files%20-%20Environ/BGA%20chart%202012.pdf

Finally, here's a link to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change's website where you can read still more about Blue Green Algae:

http://www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/blue-green-algae

Becoming informed about this potential threat to our lake is important should you encounter a questionable algal bloom.