Warm summer weather is a breeding ground for toxic blue-green algae – DiscoverHumboldt.com

When the summer sun beats down on us, our local waters create ideal conditions for harmful blue-green algae.

Blue-green algae are naturally occurring bacteria that are found particularly in lakes and reservoirs. The presence of blue-green algae has been known in Buffalo Pound Lake in the past.

The flowers thrive in the summer heat and can give the water a shimmering, frothy, pea soup-like appearance.

Blue-green algae can be recognized by their blue-green, light blue, gray or light brown color and can form quickly in hot temperatures.

“In our province, there can be one weather system and 15 minutes later another. It's really hard to say exactly where these are, but we know there are some areas that can be vulnerable depending on the weather,” said Patrick Boyle of the Water Security Agency.

Boyle explained how long the algae can survive in a body of water before they disappear.

“It usually takes up to three weeks for them to get pushed around in the reservoir and dissolve. It can be quicker, it just depends on the weather conditions and the area,” he said.

If you see or think you see blue-green algae in a body of water, avoid direct contact with the algal bloom. Also, avoid swimming in the algae and eating fish caught in a lake with blue-green algae.

Direct contact and accidental consumption can cause skin redness, sore throat, cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you come into contact with blue-green algae, you should wash the infected area with water as quickly as possible.

For animals such as dogs and cattle that want to swim or drink in the water, contact with blue-green algae can be fatal.

“It can be toxic for animals to be in that area and you want to keep them away from it. If you have your dog near one of these bodies of water and he tries to go in there, you should basically keep him away from those areas,” Boyle said.

For more information about public beaches in Saskatchewan and areas that may have blue-green algae, visit the Health Beaches Program website.

Anyone with health questions about blue-green algae can contact the Environmental Health Unit of the Saskatchewan Health Authority.