Blue Green Algae Update

Blue Green Algae Update

Blue Green Algae Update

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit has posted information on Blue Green Algae.  What is it, what to look for and what to do if you detect it.

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Every year the Ontario Minister for the Ministry of Environment and Parks (MECP) produces an annual report on Ontario’s drinking water.As you know, the toxins from Blue Green Algae can enter drinking water systems and have the potential to harm humans and other animals.Blue Green Algae Blooms have thus become a major issue in the last few years as pointed out in this report. The report can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministers-annual-report-drinking-water-2020#section-8The report lists the number of algal blooms for the year 2020:   In 2017 Ontario experienced a record Number of  54 Toxic Blue Green Algae Blooms.In 2020 Ontario reported 91 Blue Green Algae Blooms – a 68% increase  The MECP has produced a 12 Point Action Plan on Blue Green Algae Bloom Blooms in response to the annual report.The Action Plan can be found here:  https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algaeAmong other recommendations, the action plan identifies naturalizing shorelines on water bodies as one method of reducing phosphorus loading. Phosphorus is considered to be a harmful nutrient and excessive nutrient loading in lakes can lead to Blue Green Algae events