Beach closed at Belwood Lake Conservation Area

Blue-green algae is pictured in this photo from the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA).

The beach at Belwood Lake Conservation Area has been closed due to the presence of blue-green algae.

The Grand River Conservation Area (GRCA) issued a warning on Wednesday after a bloom was spotted in the swimming area.

They said the beach would remain closed until the algae bloom disperses.

Visitors, meanwhile, have been asked to stay out of the water and obey all posted signage.

Blue-green algae has also closed the beach at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area.

What is blue-green algae?

Blue-green algae blooms are types of bacteria known as cyanobacteria. They are microscopic plant-like organism that occur naturally in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and other bodies of water.

The algae thrives in water that is shallow, slow-moving and warm.

As algae blooms grow, the water may have a noticeable green or brown scum along its surface and the water may look green or like bluish-green pea soup.

Once the blooms are fully formed, they may look like spilled paint along the shoreline.

The algae smells like fresh cut grass at first, but older blooms give off an odour that has been compared to rotting garbage.

Some types of blue-green algae produce cyanotoxins, which can be harmful to both humans and animals.

Symptoms may include itchy, irritated eyes and skin from direct contact (such as swimming) and flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting if large quantities of the toxins are swallowed.

The GRCA urges residents to keep children and pets away and avoid all contact with the algae blooms. Fish from those bodies of water should not be eaten and the water should not be used for any purpose, including drinking.