Blue-Green Algae confirmed at Roches Point Pier
York Region is cautioning users of Roches Point Pier in Town of Georgina about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom in the water.
Human exposure to toxins in blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can cause headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, skin rashes and irritation. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention.
Animal exposure to blue-green algae toxins can be lethal.
York Region is urging beachgoers to take the following precautions:
- Humans and animals should avoid using, drinking, bathing or swimming in the lake water; if skin contact occurs, wash well with soap and water.
- If you supply water to your home from lake or river water near a bloom, consider an alternate water supply for the duration of the bloom, such as bottled water; home water treatment systems may not remove toxins; boiling the water will not remove toxins
- Municipal drinking water is unaffected and remains safe to drink
- Use municipally treated water or bottled water for infant formula preparation and ice making
- Restrict livestock access to the water
- Be cautious about eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur
- As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lakes or rivers. Boiling this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae.
Beach visitors should continue follow these precautions for two weeks after the bloom has disappeared.
As a general practice, beachgoers should always check and follow posted signage when visiting the beach. The precautions listed on signage apply to both humans and animals.
For more information on beach water testing and results, please visit york.ca/Beaches or contact York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-512-6228.
