If you were planning on going into the water at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park, you may want to reconsider.
The Capital Regional District (CRD) has issued an advisory warning that there is a blue-green algae bloom at Elk Lake.
Blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins and residents should avoid entering the water until further notice. Animals should also be kept on a leash to prevent them from drinking or entering the water.
“Ingesting water containing these cyanotoxins may cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and abdominal pain in humans, and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs,” the Capital Regional District said in a press release.
The algae usually produce a visible blue-green sheen, which according to the Capital Regional District, appears as surface scum.
“Not all blooms are easy to see, and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see the blooms. Blooms are unpredictable and may occur at any time,” the Capital Regional District said in a press release.
Algae blooms are not uncommon within the Greater Victoria region. An blue-green algae advisory remains in effect for Prior Lake and Lower Thetis Lake, located within Thetis Lake Regional Park.
CHEK News
