Algae Blooms

Blue-green algae (also known as cyanobacteria) are microscopic, plant-like organisms that occur naturally in ponds, rivers, lakes and streams. Normally, blue-green algae are not visible in the water; however, under the right conditions of light, temperature and nutrients, algae can form blooms on the water’s surface.

Blue-green algae blooms usually produce a visible blue-green sheen which appears as surface scum. Blooms may look similar to paint floating on the surface of the water. Although often blue-green, blooms can also be olive green, brown or red. Blooms aren’t always easy to see, but toxins can still be present in the water even if you cannot see a bloom.

Algae blooms are unpredictable and may occur at any time. They may last for a few days, months or all year long. In deeper lakes (like Elk Lake), blooms can occur in the winter months, particularly after storm events or during the lake turnover when deep-water nutrients are mixed with surface waters. In shallow lakes (like Beaver Lake), blooms may occur year-round because nutrients are continually available at surface waters. During summer, sunlight and warm temperatures in shallow waters produce the ideal conditions for algae blooms to form.

Blue-green algae blooms often occur in warm, shallow and slow-moving water, where light and nutrients are available; however, blooms can occur in deeper lakes as well. They can be present in lakes in Elk/Beaver Lake and Thetis Lake regional parks.

Blooms are unpredictable. The location of algae blooms can change quickly. Blue-green algae can change their position in the water column (vertically) multiple times a day, and can move horizontally across surface waters due to wind and water currents. Because algae blooms are mobile, visual inspections are often our best indicator of potentially harmful concentrations of cyanotoxins.

Some – but not all – species of blue-green algae are known to produce cyanotoxins, which can cause health effects in humans and other animals (dogs, horses, etc.). Ingesting or coming into contact with water that contains toxins may cause a range of symptoms including skin irritation, headaches, vomiting and abdominal pain in humans, and can lead to lethal liver damage in pets and livestock. Toxin production is unpredictable and may occur at any time. If you see a blue-green algae bloom, it is best to assume that toxins are present, and avoid contact with the water.

It is important to rinse your body with clean water and soap immediately after exposure to contaminated water. Use a clean towel to dry off. If you show any symptoms and believe you were exposed to blue-green algae, contact your health care provider immediately.

Toxins can also harm pets if they come into contact with algae blooms. Pets may be exposed either by drinking, wading or playing in contaminated water. Consult a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet came in contact with a bloom.

Blooms in lake water are primarily caused by high levels of nutrients (particularly phosphorus) that support the growth of blue-green algae. Adequate sunlight, calm water conditions and warm temperatures also support rapid algae growth. While blooms can occur naturally, some human activities such as agricultural runoff, stormwater runoff and malfunctioning septic systems can increase the likelihood of blooms occurring.

Take a cautious approach, as some algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.

If you see a blue-green algae bloom:

• Assume toxins are present
• Avoid drinking, swimming or any direct contact with the water on your skin
• Restrict access to the water for pets and livestock
• Report the bloom to CRD Infoline

The CRD regularly inspects lakes for blue-green algae blooms and also relies on the public to report any possible blooms. When the visible presence of blue-green algae is confirmed by staff, the CRD consults with Island Health to issue a public advisory and post additional cautionary signage around the affected lake. Visual inspections by staff are conducted twice weekly at the site of first detection, and nearby swimming beaches, until the bloom is no longer observed. The public advisory is evaluated and updated every two weeks. The CRD website and social media channels are updated accordingly to ensure that advisory information is current.

CRD staff monitor and sample the water quality. Water sampling occurs twice in the first week after a bloom is no longer visible, and will continue until two consecutive water samples indicate levels below the threshold for blue-green algae producing toxins (<100,000 cells/mL). The CRD then consults with Island Health, and the advisory is lifted if Island Health confirms that the bloom is no longer a risk. The CRD will remove the temporary caution signs from around the lake, and will lift the advisory.

For information on health risks associated with blue-green algae blooms contact Island Health.

The CRD is developing plans to address high nutrient levels in Elk/Beaver Lake to reduce the frequency of blue-green algae blooms. Read more about Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park >> 

To support a healthy lake and watershed, consider making the following changes:

• Use phosphate-free detergents, personal care and household cleaning products
• Avoid using fertilizers on lawns, especially fertilizers that contain phosphorus
• Maintain a natural shoreline on lake and streamside properties
• Plant or maintain vegetation along waterways
• Check septic systems to ensure they are functioning well