Blue-green algae season is already underway, with the most recent sighting in Penhorn Lake in Dartmouth.
It’s a popular spot for people to walk their dogs, and the Department of Environment says blue-green algae can be dangerous and potentially fatal for dogs when it produces toxins. The toxins can also make people sick.
However, not all blue-green algae blooms produce toxins.
After a report of a bloom, the province will test the area to see if the algae produces toxins.
Then they will update their website, which includes a list of reported blooms in the province, along with the test results, if they’re available.
The department hasn’t released any information on testing in Penhorn Lake.
The only confirmed algae bloom producing toxins is in Oathill Lake, caused by benthic mats, sheets of slimy algae with visible air pockets. The department said those could look web-like on rocks, shorelines, lakebeds or riverbeds.
Other reported blue-green algae blooms include:
- Sherbrooke Lake in Lunenburg County, reported in June
- Gaspereau Lake in King County, reported in June
- First Lake in Halifax County, reported in June
- An unnamed pond near Black Point in Pictou County, reported in June
- Pigott Lake in Hants County, reported in May
- Springfield Lake Beach in Halifax County, reported in May
- Cranberry Lake in Halifax County, reported in May
For more information on types of algae and how to identify them, visit this part of the government’s website.
Comments