Blue-green algae health warnings issued for 3 lakes in Nicola region – Okanagan | 24CA News
Interior Health has issued a well being warning for blue-green algae blooms on three lakes west of the Okanagan.
The well being advisory says blooms are current on Nicola, Douglas and Chapperon lakes, and that customers face a danger of publicity to cyanobacterial toxin.
“Water samples taken on July 26 from each lake tested positive for the cyanobacterial toxin,” stated Interior Health.
According to IH, cyanobacteria can produce a number of kinds of toxin that may be toxic to folks, pets and livestock. Exposure to cyanobacteria toxin can happen via ingestion of or contact with contaminated water.
Further, algae blooms can stay in a water physique for weeks to months.
Interior Health is advising to make use of the water in these lakes at the moment.
It additionally added the following tips:
- If you receive consuming water from the lake, it’s best to use an alternate supply, akin to bottled water.
- Boiling affected lake water is not going to take away the toxin.
- Use an alternate supply of consuming water for pets and livestock.
- Do not swim within the water and keep away from leisure actions akin to, boating and waterskiing.
- If your pores and skin is uncovered to contaminated water, rinse off with clear water instantly.
- Exposure can lead to signs which can be seen shortly afterwards.
- Symptons embody dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, pores and skin rash and mouth blisters.
For extra info, go to HealthLinkBC or the province’s algae watch web page.
Interior Health additionally has on its web site a listing of seaside closures.
© 2023 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
