Watch out for blue-green algae this summer: Water Security Agency

Warm summer weather means lots of people are heading to the lake, but don’t jump in water where blue-green algae is blooming.

That’s the message from Saskatchewan’s Water Security Agency, which cautioned swimmers and livestock owners to watch out for the algae blooms that occur during the summer months at many lakes around the province.

“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 agency said in a statement. “The blooms may be blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in colour.”

Coming into direct contact with blue-green algae can cause health issues like red skin, cramps, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, the agency warned.

Livestock producers were cautioned to keep their animals clear of water with algae blooms, and the agency also advised caution when eating fish or shellfish caught in water where blue-green algae is blooming.

Anyone with concerns about blue-green algae can contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority’s environmental health office, the agency noted.