Image Credit: Interior Health

By Pete McIntyre / Vernon Matters

Risk to Public Low

Algal bloom fills part of Shuswap Lake

Aug 12, 2020 | 11:03 AM

SALMON ARM, B.C. — Interior Health (IH) says a large algal bloom that has filled most of the Salmon Arm of Shuswap Lake is being monitored by several agencies.

The health authority said the bloom was first detected on July 22.

“At this time, on-site environmental testing indicates this bloom is primarily non-harmful green algae with very low numbers of cyanobacteria or blue-green algae and the risk to the public remains low,” stated a news release from IH.

Algal blooms are known to occur at this time of year in many of the lakes, ponds, and wetlands found throughout the Interior region of B.C.

“During the warm weather, it is common for some blooms to be blue-green algae or cyanobacteria, which can quickly grow into large masses called cyanoblooms. Blue-green algae can produce a toxin, which may be harmful if it is swallowed or if it comes in contact with skin,” the release added.

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Cyanoblooms are also usually blue-green in colour and can cover the surface or make normally clear water look like thick pea soup or paint.

“Although the water is visually not appealing, it remains safe for all recreational activities, as well as for the public drinking water system, which uses the lake as its primary drinking water supply,” the health authority said.

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 – boiling water will not remove the blue-green algae from the water –and never wade or swim in water with visible cyanoblooms. Pets should also be kept out of waterbodies where there are active algae blooms as they can be sensitive to the toxins.

Interior Health and other agencies like the Ministry of Environment, City of Salmon Arm and First Nations Health Authority, will continue to monitor public drinking water supplies and recreational beaches.

Click here for more information on blue-green algae from HealthLinkBC.