Facilitating Algal Bloom Identification,  Reporting and Communications

WHAT ARE BLUE-GREEN ALGAL BLOOMS?

Normally blue-green algae are not visible in the water, but when conditions are favourable, algal populations can rapidly increase to form a large mass or scum in the water called a bloom. Blooms most commonly occur during the warmer weather of late summer and early fall.

WHAT CONDITIONS FAVOUR ALGAL GROWTH?

Blue-green algae thrive in areas where the water is shallow, slow moving and warm, but they may also be present in deeper, cooler water. One key factor affecting the growth of blue-green algae is the amount of available nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen. In the Haliburton Highland water bodies, phosphorus tends to be the nutrient that controls how much algae can grow.

What Can You Do To Help?

While some of this information has been presented above, the impact of Algal Blooms or Blue Green Algae Blooms on all of us is so significant that it bears repeating.  It is also a reminder that only together can we ensure the health of our lake and protect it from dangers such as Algal Blooms.

HOW CAN BLUE-GREEN ALGAL BLOOMS BE REDUCED OR PREVENTED? Human activities can promote the growth of blue-green algae. For instance, agricultural, urban and stormwater runoff, effluent from sewage treatment plants and industry, and leaching from septic systems can elevate the levels of nutrients in water bodies, which can promote algae growth. Reducing or eliminating nutrient inputs from these sources is a proactive way to reduce the occurrence of blue-green algal blooms.

Take these simple steps to prevent the growth of blue-green algae:

• use phosphate-free detergents, personal care and household cleaning products
• avoid using fertilizers on lawns, especially fertilizers that contain phosphorus
• maintain a natural shoreline on lake and riverfront properties
• reduce agricultural runoff by planting or maintaining vegetation along waterways and minimize fertilizer use, and
• check septic systems to ensure they do not leak into the water source.

Ontario is taking action to reduce blue-green algal blooms. The Clean Water Act, Great Lakes Strategy, Lake Simcoe Protection Act, and other programs promote actions that will reduce the amount of nutrients entering Ontario water bodies. Ontario will continue to work to better understand and reduce harmful and nuisance algal blooms. Find more information on source and lake protection programs in Ontario at https://www.ontario.ca/.

Be Cautious and If you suspect a blue-green algal bloom, assume toxins are present and :  

What To Do If You Suspect a Blue Green Algae Bloom

1. Take pictures

2. Notify MOECP Peterborough office directly | 705-755-4300 or the general tip line at 1-866-663-8477

3. Notify the HLPOA at horseshoelakeminden@gmail.com so that we can let members on the lake know

4. Notify your municipal government

5. Tell your neighbours

 6. Do not swim in the lake or let pets or any animals swim or drink from the lake until assessment is complete through the MOECP

 7. Do not allow water from the lake to enter your house/cottage

• Most water treatment systems will not safely treat water with a blue green algae bloom
• Boiling or chlorinating the water can release toxins into the air
• Even UV filters will not safely treat water which contains a blue green algae bloom
•  Purchase forms of spring water for personal use

8. Stop using the water and seek medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur while in contact with untreated surface waters.

9. Do not eat fish caught in the water body.

10. Avoid activities that increase exposure to toxins during algal blooms; call the local Health Unit for information and follow their advice.