For Immediate Release
July 30, 2024 | 4:15 p.m. | Windsor and Essex County
The WECHU has received notice that the blue green algae bloom testing from Lake St. Clair, noted in our news release on July 23, 2024, has come back with results that are within range to be deemed safe.
The testing of blue-green algae identifies if the bloom is producing toxins at the time the sample was taken. However, a negative result or a result with acceptable levels does not mean that the bloom cannot be harmful. Blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to different environmental factors.
The WECHU continues to remind residents to avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scum on the surface. If contact does occur, wash the skin with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove potential harmful substances.
If you live near an area where a bloom is present in a lake, follow these safety measures:
- Do not drink or use the water for food preparation, including infant formula.
- Use an alternate source of safe drinking water, such as bottled water, for the duration of the bloom.
- Do not boil and drink water that may contain blue-green algae because toxins are not destroyed by boiling and boiling may increase toxins.
- Do not swim and avoid water sports where a bloom is present.
- Do not allow children and pets to play in the water or drink lake water during a blue-green algae bloom. If the level of toxin is high, they may suffer serious health risks, including death.
For more information on blue-green algae blooms, please visit the Health Unit website at https://www.wechu.org/your-environment/blue-green-algae-bloom