Back to SearchKINGSTON–KFL&A Public Health is reminding residents that blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is a common seasonal occurrence in regional waterways. These bacteria occur worldwide and some species produce toxins that can affect animals and humans.
Blue-green algae has been found in numerous waterways in the KFL&A area over the past number of years. Algal blooms may occur in the coming weeks. On lakes and rivers where blue-green algae blooms are present, people who use the surface water, including shore wells, for their private drinking water supply should consider an alternate, protected source of water.
Blue-green algae thrive in warm, shallow, undisturbed water that receives a lot of sunlight and that is rich is phosphorus and nitrogen. Animal and human waste and fertilizers that can contaminate water contain these chemicals, which amplify the growth of blue-green algae.
Some common ways for phosphorus and nitrogen to enter lakes and streams are from runoff of fertilizer from both lawns and farming activities, and improperly located septic systems.
Toxins can irritate the skin, and if ingested, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, the toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage.
KFL&A Public Health encourages people using lakes and rivers to watch for algae blooms. Dense blue-green algae blooms may make the water look like pea soup, and can be shades of blue, blue-green, yellow, brown, or red. When a bloom is very large, algae may form solid-looking clumps. Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass; older blooms smell like rotting garbage.
If blooms are visible:
- Do not use the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, or showering.
- Do not allow children, pets, or livestock to swim in the water or drink the water.
- If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.
- Residents should not boil the water. Boiling will not remove the toxins and may release more of the toxin into the water.
- Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.
- Residents should not rely on water jug filtration systems, as they do not protect against the toxins.
- Do not treat the water with a disinfectant such as chlorine bleach. This may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.
Residents should be cautious about eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur. Residents should not eat the liver, kidneys, or other organs of fish caught in the water.
For more information, please call KFL&A Public Health at 613-549-1232, ext. 1248 or toll free 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1248. The Ministry of the Environment’s website also provides additional information www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/blue-green-algae.
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