Blue-Green Algae Public Notice November 10, 2022 (Update)

Update: The following Public Notice was issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on Dec. 13 2022:

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) would like to inform residents and visitors to the City of Orillia that additional laboratory analysis confirms the blue-green algae bloom impacting the northwest side of Smith’s Bay has dissipated.

Please be advised that the public health notice regarding precautions for blue green algae issued on November 10, 2022 by the SMDHU for Smith’s Bay been lifted.

This public notice advised residents to take precautions and avoid drinking the water from private water supplies that are impacted or draw from the area of the lake where blue-green algae has been identified.

Recent sampling conducted by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, no longer identify the presence of a blue-green algae bloom. Generally, cooler weather, rainfall, and reduced sunshine will lead to the breakup of an algal bloom.

Blue-green algae blooms naturally occur in freshwater lakes, bays and inlets, usually during warmer weather. They thrive where water is shallow, nutrient-rich, slow moving and warm, but may also be present below the surface.

The best method for managing algal blooms is prevention. Decreasing the amount of nutrients, such as phosphates and nitrogen, entering the water source can effectively reduce the occurrence and severity of algal blooms. This means using phosphate-free detergents, not using fertilizers on lakefront properties, taking steps to impede agricultural run-off, and ensuring that septic systems do not leak into the water source.

For more information, please call the SMDHU Health Connection Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-721-7520. Links to general information about blue-green algae are available on the health unit website at: www.smdhu.org/algae.

If you suspect a blue-green algae bloom, please assume toxins may be present, avoid using the water and call the Ministry of the Environment Pollution Hotline at 1-866-663-8477.

Sincerely,

Charles Gardner, MD, CCFP, MHSc, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health

Please note the following Public Notice issued by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit on Nov. 10, 2022:

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents and visitors to the City of Orillia that laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom impacting an area along the northwest side of Smith’s Bay in the City of Orillia.

Many species of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals when exposed in large amounts.  Due to the confirmed presence of the bloom, we are asking residents and visitors to exercise caution and recognize that toxins may also be present. 

As a precautionary measure, the SMDHU urges residents and businesses to avoid drawing or drinking water from private water supplies that are impacted by the lake where blue-green algae has been identified and to take the following precautions:

• Do not use a private water supply that is impacted or draws water from this area of the lake for the preparation of infant formula.
• Do not allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible.
• Fish taken from waters with cyanobacterial blooms have the potential to contain toxins. Exercise caution when eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur.
• Do not use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.
• Avoid water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible.

I strongly recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur following contact with the blue-green algae bloom. Anyone who comes into contact with blue-green algae should wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water. Swimming, bathing or showering with water not visibly affected by a blue-green algae bloom is not expected to cause health effects.

The health unit and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will continue to work together to monitor the algal bloom and updates will be provided on our website www.smdhu.org/algae.

For further information, call Health Connection Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-721-7520. Links to general information and updates about blue-green algae are available on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.

Sincerely,

Charles Gardner, MD, CCFP, MHSc, FRCPC
Medical Officer of Health