Preparing for Blue-Green Algae Season

As Nova Scotians head outdoors in the warmer weather to enjoy the province’s lakes, they should know about and watch for blue-green algae.

“Nova Scotia is known for our abundance of beautiful lakes, which are enjoyed for swimming, boating and walking along the shore,” said Timothy Halman, Minister of Environment and Climate Change. “Climate change is causing more blue-green algae in our lakes and other freshwater bodies. As summer approaches, we are reminding Nova Scotians about the tools available to help them recognize and prevent exposure so they can enjoy our lakes and other freshwater safely.”

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is a naturally occurring plant-like substance found in fresh water like lakes. It is more likely to grow in warm weather.

Swimming or contact with contaminated water can cause itchy eyes and skin. Breathing in or swallowing the water can lead to headaches, fever, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting. For pets, ingesting blue-green algae can be fatal.

People can reduce the risk by:

• scanning the water and shoreline for blue-green algae before going into fresh water or letting children and pets play in it
• avoiding contact with blooms
• not drinking fresh water when swimming or enjoying lakes
• calling a veterinarian if a pet comes into contact with a bloom
• reporting sightings by calling 1-877-936-8476.

Nova Scotians can learn more about blue-green algae at https://novascotia.ca/blue-green-algae/ or by scanning the QR code on signs located in provincial parks.

Quick Facts:

• algae blooms can look like fine grass clippings in the water, spilled paint, pea soup or sometimes like a thick scum on the surface
• blue-green algae can move around, reform and recur, making testing unreliable in large bodies of water
• algae mats can be found in shallow areas of lakes and rivers and along the shoreline; they often look like clumps of vegetation and may appear black, brown or dark green in the water
• mats may detach from the bottom and wash up on the shoreline, where they look grey and have a foul odour that may attract dogs

Additional Resources:

Blue-green algae fact sheet: https:/,/novascotia.ca/blue-green-algae/documents/blue-green-algae-factsheet.pdf

Blue-green algae reports: https://novascotia.ca/blue-green-algae/#reported-algae

Advisories at supervised beaches in Halifax Regional Municipality: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/programs-activities/swimming/supervised-beaches-outdoor-pools-splash-pads