The Grand River Conservation Authority is putting out a warning about a potentially toxic substance in the watershed. A blue-green algae bloom was spotted upstream of the Wellington Road 26 Bridge in the Belwood Lake reservoir. Previously another bloom was spotted at the northeast shoreline, near the dam in the Guelph Lake Conservation Area reservoir, the islands in the Shade’s Mill Conservation Area and near the boat launch at the Belwood Lake Conservation Area reservoir. “Once a blue-green algae bloom has been observed, toxins may still be present in the water, even when a bloom is no longer visible. For this reason, these previous notices will remain in effect for the remainder of the season,” A notice from the conservation authority said. The toxins that can be produced by the blooms is harmful to both people and pets. When the algae starts to grow, a green or brown scum will form on the surface of the water, which may also appear green or bluish-green. Once the algae is in full bloom, it can look like spilled paint along the shoreline. At the beginning, it may smell like fresh cut grass. As time passes, the scent changes and the odour shifts to something more akin to rotten garbage. Symptoms of blue-green algae bloom exposure can include a rash, eye irritation, nose irritation, sore throat and a cough. Anyone who ingests the substance could experience stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, muscle weakness, dizziness and even liver damage.
