Blue-green algae found in Belwood Lake reservoir, conservation authority warns

Blue-green algae has been found at Belwood Lake reservoir and visitors are being asked to stay away because it could be toxic.

The presence of a small blue-green algae bloom has been observed near the boat launch at Belwood Lake reservoir, just north of Fergus. Signage has been posted notifying the public of the conditions, the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) said in a release Friday.

Some varieties of blue-green algae can be toxic to humans and pets.

The hot summer days have created "perfect conditions" for the algae to grow and bloom, the group says, adding signage has been posted in the area with a warning.

If blue-green algae is spotted, people are asked to do the following:

• Keep children and pets away from the algae.
• Avoid contact with the algae.
• Don't eat fish from the lake.
• Don't use the water for drinking or any other purpose.
• Boating is allowed, where permitted, but boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae.
• Don't swim in areas where you see scum, or it is accumulating along the shoreline.

The conservation authority is working with the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, as well as Wellington-Duffering-Guelph Public Health.

The algae often grows when nutrients from fields and lawns move into waterways during heavy rainfalls. This can cause their "populations to grow rapidly, forming blooms or scum on the surface of the water," GRCA said in the release.

Anyone who sees a "noticeable green or brown scum" on the surface of a body of water that also looks like "green or bluish-green pea soup" should stay clear of that part of the water and notify authorities, said GRCA.

"Once blue-green algae are in full bloom, it may look like spilled 'paint' along the shoreline," they added.

There can also be a smell of fresh cut grass for newer blooms, while older blooms can smell like rotting garbage.