August 29, 2013
By Pepper Parr
BURLINGTON, ON. Halton Region’s Health Department is advising residents to avoid swimming and wading in the waters at Beachway Park and LaSalle Park in Burlington and Bronte Beach Park in Oakville because blue-green algae (BGA) have been identified at these locations.
Residents are also advised not to eat fish caught in these areas and not to let pets play in or drink the water.
Halton’s drinking water is not affected and continues to be safe.
Blue green algae tends to float near the surface and wave action brings it close to shore. Its colour makes it very easy to identify. Exposure to the algae causes skin irritation.
Some BGA have the potential to produce toxins or skin irritants. Adverse health effects from BGA are mainly related to ingestion of BGA-contaminated water or skin irritation and itching from skin contact with BGA-contaminated water.
Wave action brings the algae close to shore.
As a precaution, signs have been posted to warn beach users.
“Conditions at the beaches can change from one day to the next,” stated Dr. Monir Taha, Halton Region Associate Medical Officer of Health. “We encourage residents to visit our website for up to date information.”
If you have been swimming or wading in these waters and feel unwell, please visit your physician or walk-in clinic.
Hamilton put up these lines in an attempt to hold back the algae in parts of their waterfront. The picture was tweeted from Hamilton
Algae is something that is in the water most of the time. Run off from heavy rains will flush phosphates into the streams and hot sunshine causes the algae to breed just that much faster.
It’s natural – its there – at times it just gets a little out of control.
For more information, dial 311 or visit the Region’s website.
