Blue-green algae has been spotted at another local reservoir. The Grand River Conservation Authority said blooms were reported at Guelph Lake, both along the northeast shoreline and near the dam. Warnings were also issued earlier this month about blue-green algae at the Belwood Lake boat launch, as well as the dam and islands at Shade’s Mills. The GRCA is still advising the public to stay away from those areas. 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 are urged to stay away from the blooms. That includes swimming, eating fish from the lake or drinking the water.
