Released on July 6, 2018
The Water Security Agency and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health are advising the public to avoid swimming in or drinking water where blue-green algae blooms are occurring.Algae blooms, or heavy concentrations of blue-green algae, commonly occur during calm, hot weather in areas of lakes and reservoirs with shallow, slow moving or still water that has sufficient nutrients. Pet owners and livestock producers are also advised to keep their animals away from such water.
Algae blooms often give the water a shimmering, foamy pea soup appearance. They are usually blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in colour. The recent warm temperatures in the province may result in the quick formation of algal blooms.
The blooms typically last up to three weeks and can be pushed around the lake or reservoir by the wind.
Swimming in or drinking this algae-contaminated water can cause red skin, sore throat, cramps or diarrhea. In addition, caution should be taken when considering the consumption of fish or shellfish caught in areas of a water body where a bloom exists; in particular the internal organs of the fish should not be eaten.
If you have health symptoms, please call Healthline 811 or contact your health care provider.
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For more information, contact:
Ron Podbielski
Water Security Agency
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6170
Email: Ron.Podbielski@wsask.ca
Cell: 306-550-2887
Shirley Xie
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: shirley.xie@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-787-4083