(Image Credit: Sydney Chisholm/CFJC News)

By Sydney Chisholm

Algae bloom

Nicola Lake beaches closed due to algae bloom

Jul 14, 2023 | 4:57 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — Interior Health has issued a beach closure for all of Nicola Lake because of a toxic algae bloom.

The closure was issued Thursday (July 13). It impacts the entire lake, including Monck Provincial Park.

“Blooms are really caused by warmer temperatures, sunlight having adequate nutrition, really just the conditions that algae like to grow in,” Amanda Anderson, team leader of environmental assessment for Interior Health told CFJC News.

According to Anderson, the lake is now home to an ‘active toxin-producing cyanobacteria bloom.’

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According to B.C.’s Ministry of Environment, cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, “are naturally occurring microscopic bacteria.”

Interior Health issues beach closures “if it is identified that a beach or body of water poses a serious risk to the health and safety of recreational water users. Users are advised to avoid any contact with the beach and recreational water area (i.e. boating, paddling, playing in the wet sand).”

Symptoms include headaches, nausea, fever, sore throat, dizziness, stomach cramps, diarrhea and rash. Anyone experiencing symptoms after coming in contact with the algae should seek medical attention.