Media Release
Lab results this week have confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom in Peninsula Lake.
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) has confirmed the presence of algae that are capable of producing toxins; however, toxins were not detected. Although toxins were not detected at this time, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit continues to warn residents around the lake to avoid using the water for drinking or food preparation, including breast milk substitute (infant formula).
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit and the MOECC will continue to monitor the lake and updates will be posted on the health unit’s website at www.smdhu.org/algae.
Blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Avoid swimming in areas where blooms are visible. Symptoms from consuming toxins from a blue-green algae bloom can include diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, headaches and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities. Pets should also avoid contact with the water.
To learn more about blue-green algae visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or call Health Connection weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
Read the health unit’s earlier release below:
September 19, 2017
Residents around Peninsula Lake are being cautioned about a potential blue-green algae bloom.
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit says illness can result from exposure to blue-green algae, whether for drinking, swimming, bathing, cooking, washing or through eating fish caught from the lake. Affected residents are being asked not to use the water for drinking or food preparation, including breastmilk substitute (infant formula).
Swimming and other water sport activities should also be avoided in areas where algae is visible.
The bloom has not been confirmed by testing. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change has collected water samples that are currently being analyzed. Because wind and water currents can change the location of algae blooms, the caution is being issued around the entire lake.
Blue-green algae are capable of producing toxins that can be harmful to humans and animals. Boiling the water will not destroy the toxins, and home treatment systems should not be relied on.
Blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
Symptoms from consuming toxins from a blue-green algae bloom can include headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.
To learn more about blue-green algae visit the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org, or call Health Connection weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520.
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Just so the world knows… despite some (rather ugly) comments provided to me to date. I am a bit like Shultz in the 70’s Hogan’s Hero’s TV show of ” I know nothing!” fame.
I take pictures of things that look interesting, whether found by accident or sometimes I go searching for things that have happened (summer tornado for example). Most often I don’t know exactly what I am looking at but I usually pass on the pictures to somebody who might know or be interested, often Doppler for example.
Please folks, I am just a photographer with a slightly different viewing platform than others. I am not the expert, did not cause the event and sadly, probably cannot “fix” the problem. I just provide the pictures, for free as a “hobby/public service”. So don’t bother asking me how things happened or what to do next…I don’t know.