Thursday, March 28, 2024

CRD issues update on toxic blue-green algae warning for Elk Lake

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Visitors of Elk Lake are being warned not to enter the water and to keep pets on leashes, according to the Capital Regional District.

On Thursday morning, the CRD issued a health advisory for Elk Lake after water samples taken at Eagle Beach tested positive for toxic blue-green algae.

The algae usually produces a visible blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum. However, not all blooms are easy to see and toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see them.

Ingesting water containing the algae may cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and abdominal pain in humans, and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs.

While Elk Lake tested positive for the algae, neighbouring Beaver Lake is unaffected.

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Adam Chan
Former Staff Writer at Victoria Buzz.

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