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Blue-green algae bloom notice lifted on Tea Lake

Update: This notice was lifted on March 12, 2024 as a result of updated testing by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit that did not detect blue-green algae. 

October 2023: Blue-green algae bloom confirmed on the north-east shoreline of Tea Lake

The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents and visitors to the Township of Severn that laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom impacting the north-east shoreline of Tea Lake in Severn.

Many species of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals when exposed in large amounts. Due to the confirmed presence of the bloom, the SMDHU are asking residents and visitors to exercise caution and recognize that toxins may also be present.

Safety measures as recommended by the SMDHU

As a precautionary measure, the SMDHU urges residents and businesses to avoid drawing or drinking water from private water supplies that are impacted by the lake where blue-green algae has been identified and to take the following precautions:

  • do not use a private water supply that is impacted or draws water from this area of the lake for the preparation of infant formula
  • do not allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible
  • fish taken from waters with cyanobacterial blooms have the potential to contain toxins
  • exercise caution when eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur
  • do not use herbicides, copper sulphate, or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water
  • avoid water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible

The SMDHU strongly recommends seeking medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur following contact with the blue-green algae bloom.

Anyone who comes into contact with blue-green algae should wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water. Swimming, bathing, or showering with water not visibly affected by a blue-green algae bloom is not expected to cause health effects.

Updates to be provided by the SMDHU

The SMDHU and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will continue to work together to monitor the algal bloom and updates will be provided on health unit's website.

For further information, call Health Connection Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-721-7520.

Links to general information and updates about blue-green algae are available on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org. 

Contact

Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit
Phone: 1-877-721-7520

2023 notification received via email to Township of Severn from Karen Kivilahti, HBPE, BASc, CIPH(C), Manager, Safe Water, Environmental Health Department, October 30, 2023.