Blue-green algae found in Long Lake

Water samples taken from the 1200 to 1400 Sunnyside Road area of Long Lake have tested positive for blue-green algae, according to the Sudbury and District Health Unit.

“Visible algal blooms may produce toxins; therefore, using or drinking the water should be avoided,” Allan McDougall, an environmental support officer with the Sudbury & District Health Unit, said in a press release.

The highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline. These dense accumulations pose the greatest potential risks to people and pets.

“People do not usually drink water contaminated with blue-green algal blooms because of its unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell,” McDougall said.

Toxins can irritate the skin and, if ingested, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage.

Blue-green algae may also be observed in other areas of the lake. Additional blooms may appear or since the blooms are not anchored, they may move from one location to another through wind and water action.

All residents on the lake should be vigilant for blooms in their area.

The Sudbury and District Health Unit advises people using lakes and rivers to be on the lookout for algal blooms. If blooms are visible:

-Avoid using the water for drinking, bathing, or showering, and do not allow children, pets, or livestock to drink or swim in the water.
-Lakeshore residents with shallow drinking water intake pipes that might pump in blue-green algae should be cautious.
-Residents should not boil the water because boiling the water may release more toxins into the water.
-Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.
-Residents should exercise caution with respect to eating fish caught in water where blue-green algal blooms occur. Residents should not eat the liver, kidneys, and other organs of fish caught in the water.
-Do not treat the water with a disinfectant like bleach. This may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.
-Residents should not rely on water jug filtration systems as they do not protect against the toxins.

On lakes and rivers where blue-green algal blooms are confirmed, people who use the surface water for their private drinking water supply may wish to consider an alternate, protected source of water, the press release said.

For more information, phone the Sudbury and District Health Unit at 705-522-9200, ext. 398.