Hastings and Prince Edward Counties/August 28, 2015— Signs have been posted advising residents that potentially harmful levels of blue-green algae have been observed in the water near Belleville’s Myers Pier on the Bay of Quinte.
Blue-green algae can be harmful to animal and human health if ingested. It can also cause skin irritation following contact. Remnants of algae cells, which can cause rashes or mucous membrane irritation, or the toxins from a bloom may be present after the disappearance of a bloom. “Blue-green algae are a natural occurrence and residents are reminded that it is best to avoid use of the water when the algae are present,” says Senior Public Health Inspector Andrew Landy. “It is important to note that municipal drinking water systems have not been affected.”
If you draw drinking water directly from this location or swim/fish/play in this water:
- Use alternate sources of drinking water for both people and animals.
- Do not use the water for cooking.
- Avoid skin contact with water (swimming, bathing and showering).
- Keep pets or livestock from entering the affected water.
- Do not eat the liver, kidney or other internal organs of fish or shellfish from affected water.
For more information, visit www.hpepublichealth.ca or www.ontario.ca/environment-and-energy/blue-green-algae.
About Hastings Prince Edward Public Health
Hastings Prince Edward Public Health (HPEPH) operates one of 36 health units across Ontario. HPEPH provides dozens of programs and services, along with reliable health information, to a population of approximately 150,000 people in a 7,000 square km catchment area encompassing 17 municipalities. HPEPH’s mission is to enable the people in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties to achieve and main-tain optimal health through health protection and promotion, as well as disease and injury prevention. For more information, please visit www.hpepublichealth.ca. You can also find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
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Media Contact:
Andrew Landy, Senior Public Health Inspector
613-966-5500 or 1-800-267-2803, ext. 249
ALandy@hpeph.ca