It might be hot out there but people should refrain from entering the water at Thetis Lake for the time being.
The Capital Regional District has issued a warning urging people to avoid entering the water at Thetis Lake in Thetis Lake Regional Park because of a blue-green algae bloom. They are also asking visitors to keep their pets on a leash in order to prevent them from entering the water.
Algae typically produces a visible blue-green sheen that appears on the water’s surface as scum.
“Not all blooms are easy to see and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see a bloom,” the CRD said in its advisory. “Blooms are unpredictable and may occur at any time.”
Algae produce toxins and ingesting the water can cause a range of symptoms including headaches and abdominal pain in humans. The toxic scum can also lead to “lethal liver damage” in dogs.
CRD also said a previous algae bloom advisory issued for Prior Lake remains in effect.
For more information, visit www.crd.bc.ca/alerts
CHEK News
