As summer approaches, province cautions against blue-green algae
Posted May 21, 2024 06:27:32 AM.
Last Updated May 21, 2024 11:33:55 AM.
The province is warning residents that as the weather gets warmer, people heading to local lakes to cool off should keep an eye out for blue-green algae.
According to the Nova Scotia government, swimming in contaminated water can lead to itchy, irritated eyes and skin and swimming or inhaling the water can cause headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.
The province adds ingesting blue-green algae can be fatal to pets.
Algae blooms can look like fine grass clippings in the water, spilled paint, pea soup or sometimes like a thick scum on the surface.
The province offers some tips which include scanning the water and shoreline for algae, avoiding contact with blooms and not drinking freshwater when swimming or enjoying lakes.
For more information on blue-green algae, residents can head to the province’s website.
