Public Health Sudbury & Districts has issued an advisory that water sampling has confirmed a blue-green algae bloom in Ramsey Lake.
The health unit advised this afternoon that the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks advised Public Health Sudbury that water samples taken July 4 from Ramsey Lake are positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).
The samples contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins.
“Though the bloom is presently not located near the David Street Water Treatment Plant intake, Public Health Sudbury & Districts has been informed by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks that the plant has an effective barrier to all algae and can reduce the levels of algae toxins found in raw water,” said Burgess Hawkins, a manager in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ Health Protection Division, in a news release. “This means that the municipal drinking water supply is protected.”
A sign in place at Moonlight Beach advises the public to avoid swimming and allowing pets into the water if the algal blooms are present at the beaches.
“If no blooms are present, the water can be used for regular recreational activities.”
Because the blooms are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water action.
:New blooms can also form. All residents on lakes should look for blooms in their area.”
Blue-green algal blooms have an unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell, and can produce toxins, which concentrate in blooms and scum near shorelines.
Residents should avoid using or drinking water from areas where blooms are visible as consumption and contact for people or pets can irritate the skin and, if ingested, cause diarrhea and vomiting. High levels of toxin can cause liver and nervous system damage.
For more information on blue-green algae, including a list and map of water bodies with confirmed blooms, click here or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705-522-9200, ext. 464 (toll-free 1-866-522-9200).
