FILE PHOTO

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON - REPORTER / iNFOnews.ca)

Residents and visitors are being asked to avoid an algae bloom at the north end of Kalamalka Lake due to potential health risks.

The District of Coldstream, the Regional District of North Okanagan and Interior Health have received reports of an algae bloom on the north end of the lake but have not been able to verify them through water testing and visual inspections.

However, since algae can be harmful to humans and animals, the District of Coldsteam is posting this information out of an abundance of caution, according to the district's press release.

Interior Health is advising residents and visitors to avoid all contact with the bloom. If contact is made, rinse your body with clean water, according to the district.

The health authority is asking residents to avoid drinking from the lake, and also do not let animals drink from the lake. Recreational activities, such as swimming, are discouraged.

More information for recreational lake users can be found through Interior Health's website.

The Regional District of North Okanagan Greater Vernon Water Utility has a drinking water intake on Kalamalka Lake and is closely monitoring the reported algae bloom. The water utility has increased water sampling, specifically looking at
algae levels, and is conducting regular visual inspections of the lake.

As of Aug. 20, there are no no concerns about the quality and safety of drinking water but the utility will continue with increased sampling and will notify customers if there is a change in water quality. Visit the regional district's website for more information.

If your source water intake is the North end of Kalamalka Lake, consider using an alternate source for all drinking water, according to the district.

To contact a reporter for this story, email Carli Berry or call 250-864-7494 or email the editor. You can also submit photos, videos or news tips to the newsroom and be entered to win a monthly prize draw.

We welcome your comments and opinions on our stories but play nice. We won't censor or delete comments unless they contain off-topic statements or links, unnecessary vulgarity, false facts, spam or obviously fake profiles. If you have any concerns about what you see in comments, email the editor in the link above. 

News from © iNFOnews, 2021