The Capital Regional District and Island Health advised against swimming in or drinking water from Elk and Beaver Lake Regional Park after a toxic blue-green algae bloom was reported on Dec. 5. (Black Press Media file photo)

CRD warns of toxic algae bloom at Elk/Beaver Lake

Blue-green algae can be lethal to dogs, cause health issues for humans

  • Dec. 5, 2020 12:00 a.m.

Officials are warning against swimming in or drinking the water at Elk/Beaver Lake Regional Park after a blue-green algae bloom was confirmed.

On Saturday, Dec. 5, the Capital Regional District (CRD) and Island Health announced the discovery of the toxic algae growth in the Saanich lakes and advised against any water-based activities. Blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins which can cause health complications for people – including headaches and abdominal pain – and can be lethal to pets.

The CRD says the algae typically appears as a blue-green surface scum on the water though the blooms can still be toxic when the scum isn’t visible.

For updates on the status of the algae bloom, visit crd.bc.ca/alerts or follow @crd_bc on Twitter.

READ ALSO: CRD looks to deal with deteriorating water quality of Elk/Beaver Lake in Saanich


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