Rising temperatures could cause caution in the water at the lake this weekend.

This time of year is when patches of harmful blue-green algae appear in our province's lakes and reservoirs. People should stay away from these blooms at all costs, and that goes for owners and livestock producers as well who are advised to keep their animals away from suspected blooms.

"Potentially harmful algae blooms are heavy concentrations of blue-green algae that often give the water a shimmering, foamy, and pea soup-like appearance. The blooms may be blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in colour. Warm temperatures can result in the quick formation of algal blooms."

Recent hot weather is creating a perfect storm for algae in some spots, as according to a provincial release algal blooms commonly occur during calm, hot weather in areas of lakes and reservoirs with shallow, slow-moving, or still water that has sufficient nutrients. Once they are developed the blooms can last up to three weeks and are prone to being moved around it's body of water by the wind.

Southern lakes in the province are a hot spot for blue-green algae due to the naturally high levels of nutrients they contain. The nutrients still positively affect a lake's fishery by producing abundant food sources, though any notable rise in temperature leads to blooms of algae.

Possible symptoms of direct contact or consumption of algae-contaminated water can cause:

  • red skin,
  • sore throat,
  • cramps,
  • nausea,
  • vomiting;
  • and diarrhea

Take caution if consuming fish or shellfish caught in areas of a water body where a bloom exists, making sure to avoid the internal organs of the fish. Health-related questions can be directed to the Saskatchewan Health Authority environmental health office and more information on public beaches specifically can be found through Healthy Beach Program updates.