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Interior Health urges caution at Nicola Lake after algae bloom Morgan Hampton Contributor
Community Airport Day. Page 19. Photo/Kenneth Wong
TRAIL CLOSURE
MMBA frustrated by Trans Mountain’s three-month trail closure for reclamation. /PAGE 8
BASS COAST VETERAN Willis ‘The Willsist’ Lombard performs at Bass Coast for 15th year.
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Those hoping to escape the heat and cool off with a refreshing swim in Nicola Lake will be disappointed to find that their plans have been foiled by an algae bloom. Interior Health (IH) confirmed that they have received reports of an algae bloom, and urges beachgoers to use caution. “Cyanobacteria, or bluegreen algae, commonly grow in shallow, slow-moving/still waters, and are a natural part of the aquatic environment,” reads a statement on the IH website. “Excessive growth can cause cyanobacteria blooms to form and may cause the water to look or smell bad. Cyanobacteria can also produce toxins called microcystins, which can be poisonous to people, pets or livestock. Beach users can be exposed to these toxins by accidentally drinking water that contains a bloom, or by getting it on their skin during recreational activities.” According to HealthLinkBC, “Some (toxins) can affect the nervous and respiratory systems. Symptoms are visible shortly after exposure. Others affect the liver and it takes days before symptoms appear.”
Those who have ingested water contaminated with cyanobacterial toxins may experience symptoms such as fever, sore throat, nausea, dizziness, headaches, stomach cramps, abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle aches, mouth ulcers, and blistering of the lips. Boiling water will not remove cyanobacterial toxins, and is not an effective treatment of contaminated water. Contact with water affected by an algae bloom may cause skin rashes and irritation of the ears and eyes. Rinsing with clean water is recommended even if no symptoms are present. An algae bloom is also dangerous for pets and livestock, with dogs particularly susceptible to the toxins. An exposure can be fatal for canines and it is recommended that pets not be permitted to wade, swim or drink from contaminated water. British Columbians are encouraged to submit photos and observations online of suspected algae blooms to BC Algae Watch at the following URL: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/ gov/content/environment/ air-land-water/water/waterquality/algae-watch
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