Ottawa residents and visitors have been advised against swimming in the Rideau Canal or eating fish from the waterway following a blue-green algae outbreak.
In a statement posted on the City of Ottawa’s website on Friday, Ottawa Public Health said it was advised by Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change that water samples taken from the canal tested positive for blue-green algae.
The samples were collected on Sept. 6, “above the locks near the Ottawa River and contained a species of cyanobacteria that is known to produce toxins,” the statement said.
“Because blooms of blue-green algae are not anchored, they can move from one location to another through wind and water action.”
Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to humans through skin contact or when ingested.
As the toxins can build up in fish, the public is being urged to avoid eating fish from the waterway during the algae bloom and for two weeks after it has dissipated.
Residents and visitors should also avoid using the waterway for recreational activities, including swimming, bathing and other uses that result in “skin contact or accidental swallowing of water.”
