The Capital Regional District has put out an advisory for both Elk and Beaver Lakes after water samples tested positive for blue-green algae and associated cyanobacteria.
Visitors are advised to avoid both lakes and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the water. CRD said monitoring will continue at both locations.
The algae produces a visible blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum. The blooms are unpredictable and may occur at any time.
Blue-green algae are known toxin producers and these toxic compounds have been detected in the current bloom at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park.
Ingesting water containing the cyanotoxins may cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and abdominal pain in humans, and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs.
Visit Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park webpage and Twitter @crd_bc for updates.