Ruscom River blue-green algae bloom deemed safe

CTV News

4 days ago

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit (WECHU) has confirmed Ruscom River is safe after announcing a blue-green algae bloom in the water.
The results were within a range that was deemed safe. According to WECHU, the test determines if the bloom is releasing toxins at the time the sample was taken.
It notes, though, that just because a test results in safe levels or a negative result, it doesn't mean the bloom isn't dangerous.
'Blue-green algae can turn toxin production on and off in response to different environmental factors,' WECHU wrote in a news release.
'The WECHU continues to remind residents to avoid contact with water that is discoloured or has scum on the surface.'
If you make contact with discoloured or scummy water, you should wash the skin with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to get rid of any harmful substances.
The following precautions should be taken if you live near a bloom:
Do not drink or use water for food preparation, including infant formula
Use an alternate source of safe drinking water, such as bottled water, for the duration of the bloom
Do not boil and drink water that may contain blue-green algae because toxins are not destroyed by boiling and boiling may increase toxins
Do not swim and avoid water sports where a bloom is present
Do not allow children and pets to play in the water or drink lake water during a blue-green algae bloom. If the level of toxins is high, they may suffer serious health risks, including death.