If you have plans to go swimming, you might want to avoid Chocolate Lake.
The municipality is out with a risk advisory due to a possible blue-green algae bloom at Chocolate Lake Beach.
Residents are encouraged to avoid swimming as staff are investigating whether or not it is a toxin producing algae.
Blue-green algae is present naturally in freshwater, and it can grow rapidly, causing a bloom in the summer.
When these blooms decay, the toxins may be released into the water posing a possible a risk to people and pets.
The municipality recommends you follow these steps:
- Avoid water contact. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible;
- Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae is visible or in areas where a risk advisory has been issued;
- Avoid consuming water from this lake; and,
- Avoid consuming fish that has come from this lake.
People who come in contact with blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
