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.
UPDATE: Elk Lake Tests Positive for Toxic Blue-Green Algae – As of Jan 31, the advisory remains in effect. Please avoid swimming and keep animals on a leash until the advisory is lifted. https://t.co/XaTIqdwe1X #crdalert
— CRD (@crd_bc) January 31, 2019
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.
RESOLVED: Testing underway for blue-green algae at Beaver Lake – Water sample test results at Beaver Lake are negative for the toxins from blue-green algae https://t.co/JpupH6GN62 #crdalert
— CRD (@crd_bc) January 31, 2019