Blue Green Algae

Blue-Green Algae 


Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) poses several significant risks to lakes, particularly when agricultural runoff is involved. It has become and increalingly large issue for lakes in Ontario including two lakes in our region, Kennisis and Three Brothers. 


Health Risks:

  • Produces toxic substances that can cause:
  • Liver damage
  • Nervous system problems
  • Skin irritation
  • Serious illness in pets
  • Death in severe cases if contaminated water is ingested


Environmental Impacts:

  • Creates dead zones in lakes due to oxygen depletion
  • Kills fish and aquatic life
  • Blocks sunlight from reaching deeper water
  • Can persist for weeks or months
  • May become recurring annual problem once established


Triggering Factors from Agricultural Operations:

  • Phosphorus from manure runoff
  • Nitrogen from fertilizers
  • Increased nutrient loading
  • Disturbed soil erosion
  • Warmer water temperatures


Economic Consequences:

  • Forces beach closures
  • Impacts property values
  • Affects tourism and recreation
  • Requires expensive remediation
  • Can contaminate drinking water sources


This is particularly relevant to the Halls Lake rezoning situation because:

  1. Farming operations produce significant nutrient-rich runoff
  2. Shoreline agricultural operations increase the risk
  3. Once established, blue-green algae can be extremely difficult to eliminate
  4. The entire lake system could be affected
  5. Property values could be permanently impacted


For more information on Blue Green Algae


https://watersheds.ca/why-is-blue-green-algae-cyanobacteria-becoming-more-prominent/?utm_source=Google&ut



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