Dangerous blue-green algae found in Belwood Lake, Woolwich, Conservation authority warns

The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) are warning of a dangerous blue-green algae, which has turned up at reservoirs at Belwood Lake and Woolwich, which they say people should steer clear of.

In a press release, GRCA said that the algae resembles "green or bluish-green pea soup" at first, but once it has bloomed completely it could resemble "spilled 'paint' along the shoreline."

GRCA warnedthat touching or ingesting the algae should be avoided, as well as consuming fish caught in these reservoirs.

"Blue-green algae thrive on nutrients from fields and lawns that find their way into local waterways and reservoirs during heavy rainfall and spring melts and cause their populations to grow rapidly, forming blooms or scum on the surface of the water," the press release read.

"Some varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets."

GRCA said that signs can be found at affected waters with necessary warning.