Province warns of excessive algae bloom levels at multiple beaches

Several Manitoba communities are reporting high levels of algae blooms in lakes ahead of the Labour Day long weekend. CTV's Joseph Bernacki reports.

The provincial government is warning Manitobans of algae bloom levels exceeding acceptable levels at several beaches.

Lake Minnewasta near Morden is one of six beaches listed on the province’s beach water quality monitoring website where algae samples exceed acceptable levels for swimming.

Algae toxin levels exceeded 20 micrograms per litre in the lake, and now advisory signs have been posted nearby advising residents not to drink, swim or make contact with the water.

“I swam yesterday. I got a little bit green, but nothing major and I just showered,” said Rose Wiebe, who lives in Morden. " I was fine ... I don’t drink the water, but I could swim around in it."

Wiebe said this is the first time this year the water has been a murky green colour. Overall, she feels the lake hasn’t been too badly hit by algae blooms.

However, Morden Mayor Nancy Penner said it’s not the first time the lake has looked like this after a bout of warm weather.

“Often at this time of year, end of August, we get some heat, we get some temperature, we get a nutrient load in the lake, and we get an algae bloom,” Penner said.

She added there is no concern for Morden residents drinking the treated water from the lake, which is the city’s primary source of drinking water.

However common the blooms may be, Penner said the city still wants help from the province to mitigate their growth.

“We are waiting on provincial approval to bring in an ultrasonic system that will hopefully deal with the algae blooms. Hopefully we’ll have something in place for April 2026,” Penner said.

Sandy Lake, Pelican Lake North (Ninette Beach) and Delta Beach are among the other locations currently dealing with excessive algae levels, according to the province’s website.

Still, Wiebe wants to enjoy the last remaining days of her summer and won’t stay away from the lake.

“It’s warm and we’re heading towards school, and it’s not as crowded. So, I love to come now and especially with the weather being what it is.”