GRCA says blue-green algae seen at Belwood Lake

Blue-green algae is pictured in this photo from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).

A blue-green algae bloom has been spotted near the boat launch at Belwood Lake.

The Grand River Conservation Authority issued the warning on Tuesday.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and other bodies of water. The bacteria thrives in water that is shallow, slow moving and warm. The algae begins as green or brown scum on the surface of the water or resembles bluish-green pea soup. Once they are fully bloomed, it may look like spilled paint along the shoreline. The algae may smell like fresh cut grass at first, but then eventually take on an odor described as rotting garbage.

“Some varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets,” an alert from the GRCA said.

Visitors are urged to stay away from the blooms. The conservation authority shared the following advice:

• 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 where it is accumulating along the shoreline

Anyone who comes in contact with blue-green algae should visit their physician.

Permanent signs have already been installed at Belwood Lake, Conestogo Lake, Guelph Lake, Woolwich reservoirs and Snyder’s Flats warning about the potential for blooms in the water.

The conservation authority said they have notified the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit about the most recent sighting.