Blue-green algae spotted at several Nova Scotia lakes
Global News
Algae alerts are in place at lakes across Nova Scotia, including Oathill Lake in Dartmouth, Covey Lake in Lunenburg County, and Armstrong Lake and Lake Torment in Kings County.
A lake can seem beautiful and harmless from a distance, but on the surface of the water could lie dangerous blue-green algae.
Also known as cyanobacteria, algae can look like grass clippings floating around the water, or even spilled paint. But it’s the toxins inside algae that pose a threat to humans, and especially to pets.
Elizabeth Kennedy, director of Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change water programs, says algae can have serious health effects.
“In humans, it’s more likely to cause headaches, stomach aches, hives,” Kennedy says. “If it touches your skin, you can get rashes.”
There are algae alerts for lakes across the province, including Oathill Lake in Dartmouth, Covey Lake in Lunenburg County, and Armstrong Lake and Lake Torment in Kings County.
Although it’s not unusual for blue-green algae to appear this time of year, some residents who frequent Oathill Lake say they were unaware it had already occupied the water.
“So far, I haven’t witnessed any blue-green algae in the water,” says local resident Ray Williams. “I have seen some people swimming fairly early in the season, but no, nothing yet.”
“We’re all a little shocked and sad,” says another resident, Selina Fortier. “(It’s) a place where we love to swim and walk around and take our dogs.”