The Grand River Conservation Authority is warning about the presence of blue-green algae at local reservoirs. According to an alert issued Friday, a bloom was seen near the dam and islands in the Shade’s Mills Conservation Area. Another was recently reported at the boat launch in Belwood Lake. Blue-green algae can be toxic to both people and pets. The bacteria occurs naturally in lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and other bodies of water. The algae starts as green or brown scum on the surface of the water, or bluish-green pea soup. Once fully bloomed, it looks like spilled paint. The algae may smell like fresh cut grass at first, but it eventually takes on an odor that has been described as rotting garbage. Visitors at Shade’s Mills and Belwood Lake are urged to stay away from the blooms. That includes swimming, eating fish from the lake or drinking the water. The GRCA said they have notified the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Region of Waterloo Public Health.
