With many Saskatchewan residents heading out to the lakes to enjoy the hot, dry weather, there’s one thing they should be on the lookout for — blue-green algae.
The recent weather the province has been experiencing could result in the formation of algae blooms on lakes and reservoirs.
The Water Security Agency and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health reminded the public to stay away from the algae blooms and to avoid any consumption of surface water where the blooms are found. People are also being encouraged to keep their animals away from the blooms.
Coming into contact or ingesting the algae can result in red skin, a sore throat, cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The algae blooms are typically blue-green in colour. They can also be bright blue, grey or tan. The blooms are often in heavy concentrations and can last up to three weeks. Caution should also be used when eating any kind of fish caught in areas where the blooms are found.
There have been no reports of algae blooms in Saskatchewan’s waterways as of July 19, 2017, but the advisory was released due to the current weather conditions.