The algae bloom on Wood Lake, May 11, 2021.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED/Geri Allan-Helmer
May 14, 2021 - 5:16 PM
Interior Health Authority test results from an algae bloom on Wood Lake have confirmed the lake is safe to enter.
The health authority, the District of Lake Country and the Regional District of Central Okanagan are monitoring the large algae bloom on Wood Lake, which was first reported in April. While the bloom contains blue-green algae, testing indicates the risk to the public remains low and the water is safe to use, reads an Interior Health press release.
Visitors and residents are reminded not to drink or cook using untreated water directly from lakes, ponds or wetlands due to the risk of waterborne illness, the health authority said in the release. Boiling water does not remove any toxins from blue-green algae blooms.
READ MORE: Interior Health warns of potentially harmful algae bloom on Wood Lake
Pets and livestock should still be provided with an alternative source of drinking water where there are active algae blooms, as they can be sensitive to toxins, the health authority said.
Algae blooms are naturally occurring throughout B.C. Blooms may vary in colour and some may also smell unpleasant. Algae blooms containing cyanobacteria may produce harmful toxins.
Additional Information on Cyanobacteria Blooms is available at HealthLinkB.C.
The B.C. government has also created a website to help identify algae blooms.
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