Three lakes in the BC Interior are temporarily closed after testing positive for the cyanobacterial toxin.
Water samples were taken on July 26 due to the presence of blue-green algae blooms on N’Kwala (Nicola) Lake, Spaxomin (Douglas) Lake and Chapperon Lake, and Interior Health is advising the public that it can be poisonous to people, pets and livestock.
Exposure to cyanobacteria can occur through ingestion of or contact with contaminated water.
Anyone who obtains drinking water from these lakes should use an alternate source, such as bottled water. Boiling the water will not remove the toxin.
If someone’s skin is exposed to the contaminated water, they are advised to rinse off with clean water immediately.
Symptoms including dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, skin rashes and mouth blisters may be active shortly after exposure. Anyone who shows symptoms should contact a physician.
Algae blooms can remain in a body of water for weeks to months.
Once the bloom is no longer present and two consecutive sets of samples test negative for the presence of the cyanobacteria toxin, Interior Health will review the beach closures and advisories.
A list of current beach closures in the Interior Health region can be found here, and more information about cyanobacteria can be found here.
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