Algal bloom near Canadian shores of Lake St. Clair exceeds 'acceptable' limit, says health unit

An algalbloom near the Canadian shores of Lake St. Clair exceeds "acceptable" test limits, according to the Windsor-Essex County Health (WECHU).

The results follow routine testing done last week in aneastern portion of the watercourse.

"It is important to note that blooms do move and they can occur in other locations along the shoreline where there is little water movement," WECHU officials said in a statement.

Because of the readings, health officials say safety precautions should be taken if you live near an area where a bloom has developed:

• 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 pets to drink lake water during a blue-green algae bloom as they may suffer serious health risks, including death.

In late July, another blue-green algae bloom in Lake St. Clair was tested and deemed safe.

"As a reminder, wind and water conditions may move the blue-green algae bloom towardother areas, which could contaminate some sources of drinking water and beaches," said Dr. Mehdi Aloosh, local medical officer of health.

"Residents and visitors are urged to take a cautious approach and protect themselves, their children, and their pets from potential health risks."

Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms that occur naturally in freshwater lakes, ponds, rivers and streams in the late summer and early fall. They are usually present in low numbers, but can rapidly increase in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that gets a lot of sun.