Advisory issued over toxic blue-green algae bloom in Prior Lake

A toxic algae bloom has triggered a warning from the Capital Regional District for people and pets to avoid swimming in Prior Lake.

Blue-green algae blooms are “known toxin producers” and can cause symptoms including headaches and abdominal pain in humans, as well as lethal liver damage in dogs.

“Park visitors are advised to avoid swimming at Prior Lake and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the lake until the advisory has been lifted,” the CRD says.

Blue-green algae blooms, which produce cyanotoxins, usually produce a visible blue-green sheen that appears as surface scum.

However, swimmers are warned that not all blooms are easily detectable and can still be in the water even if you don’t see a sheen.

CRD staff will sample water quality to confirm that toxin levels are below the allowable threshold before the advisory is lifted.

Updates on the status of Prior Lake will be posted to the CRD’s website.

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