File Photo (Image Credit: Interior Health)

By James Peters

Algae Blooms

Upper Nicola Band extends algae warning to Douglas Lake

Jul 28, 2025 | 2:46 PM

MERRITT, B.C. — The Upper Nicola Band has expanded an advisory warning of blue-green algae to Douglas Lake.

Earlier this month, the band asked residents not to swim in parts of Nicola Lake, saying professionals were monitoring and collecting data on a cyanobacteria bloom.

Residents were warned to avoid contact with blooms, rinse themselves off with fresh water after leaving the lake and prevent pets or livestock from drinking from the lake where algae was seen.

As of Sunday (July 27), the Upper Nicola Band says the same warning is now in place for Douglas Lake, noting weather and wind conditions may have helped transfer the bloom from one location to another.

“Given the shifting nature of algae blooms and the ever-changing potential for toxicity from day to day, testing for toxins is not always reliable,” said the band in a statement posted to social media. “Instead, it is safest to assume the blooms may contain toxins and adhere to precautions.”

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The band notes more permanent signage around the lakes is being developed.