Why are we seeing Blooms on our lakes at this time of year. Thus we are sending you the attached Fact Sheet from
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Blue Green Algae Blooms in November and December – why
Fact Sheet
- Blue Green algae are always in your lake.
- It is when they bloom that they pose a risk to people, pets and creatures in the lake.
- Blooms will happen when the algae get enough nutrients to enable a bloom.
a. The # 1 Nutrient they need is phosphorous - Phosphorous is available in the water and much more in the sediment at the bottom of
the lake. - The Phosphorous in the sediment is usually tied up and unavailable.
- As the ice off season progresses the Oxygen level in the water decreases. When it gets
too low that triggers a reaction that causes the Phosphorous tied up in the sediment to
release. - Blue Green Alge are the only algae that can travel down thru the water column to access
this released Phosphorus – thus they have it all to themselves with no competition. - This can then result in a Bloom.
In Haliburton County we see increasing number of blooms in November and December
In one case the Bloom froze in to the ice and could be seen all winter!
Actions Recommended
- Keep as much Phosphorous out of our lakes as you can – previously safe levels are no
longer safe. (multiplier impact of Climate Change, Invasive species, loss of Daphnia, longer ice off
season etc.) - To do that we need
o Properly operated and functioning septic systems. (Septics are the #1 source of
Phosphorous in our lakes)
o Natural shorelines with deep rooted native vegetation that intercepts phosphorus
from both septic systems and runoff.
What to do if you suspect a Blue Green Algae Bloom
Take pictures- as high resolution as possible
- Record the location – lake, street address and or GPS
- Notify MOECP Spills Action Line at 1-866- 663-8477 (line operates 24/7)
- Online at https://report- pollution.ene.gov.on.ca/
- Provide the pictures and location info
- Notify your Lake Association so that your Association can let all the members on the lake know
- Lake associations should notify all people on their email list
- Lake Assoc should notify the Mayor, Deputy Mayor & Local councilor
- Lake Assoc should Notify the HKPR Health Department – Bernie Mayer
bmayer@HKPR.ON.CA - Tell your neighbours who may not be on the lake association email list
- Do Not
i. Swim in the lake
ii. Let pets or any animals swim or drink from the lake
- Do Not allow water from the lake to enter your house/cottage
i. Most water treatment systems will not safely treat water with a blue green algae bloom
ii. Boiling or chlorinating the water can release toxins into the air
iii. UV filters will not safely treat water which contains a blue green algae bloom - Stop using the water and seek medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat
irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur while in contact with untreated
surface waters. - Do not eat fish caught in the water body. Where to get more information:
- C.H.A. – https://www.cohpoa.org/lake-health-3/algae-and-algal-blooms/
- Ontario Ministry of Environment – https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae
Updated September 2023