Blue-green algae fills harbours along Lake Erie

Mark Ribble, Leamington Post

Many residents have noticed the appearance of algae on the surface of Lake Erie waters in the past week or so and Environment Canada, among other agencies, has issued statements explaining the phenomena.

The Cyanobacteria algae is in full bloom this time of year and health and environmental organizations caution residents not to swim, bathe in or drink the water.

The algae was prevalent in Kingsville Harbour and at Leamington Municipal Marina last Thursday and the warm weather contributes to the bloom.

The algae thrives in areas of shallow, warm water and one key factor is availability of nutrients such as phosphorus and nitrogen.

Runoff of fertilizers and industrial effluent can elevate the levels of nutrients in the water.

According to Environment Canada, you need to be cautious about entering or drinking the water.

Symptoms of human health effects from contact with the algae can include itchy eyes and skin, or may include diarrhea, headache, fever and vomiting if ingested.

They also caution not to eat fish caught in an area where a blue-green algae bloom has occurred.

In an email from the Chatham-Kent Health Public Health Unit, test results have confirmed the presence of the blue-green algae blooms in Lake Erie.