Blue-Green Algae In Three Local Lakes

By Nick Liard

Three area lakes have been confirmed to have blue-green algae blooms.

The most recent, Lake Apsey on Manitoulin Island, was confirmed by the Sudbury and District Health Unit.

The others are Little Lake Panache and Red Deer Lake.

Blue-green algae has a foul smell.

The blooms have a pea soup appearance and are not anchored so can move around with wind and water action.

If ingested the bacterial toxin can cause liver and/or nervous system damage, and can even affect fish caught in the lake, where blooms are present.

 Residents who live along these lakes should avoid using the water for drinking or bathing.