PARRY SOUND, ON-The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit is advising that a harmful bloom of blue-green algae has been spotted at Whitestone Lake.
Residents should be made aware that this algae is capable of producing toxins capable of irritating the skin and if swallowed, cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Those who live near the lake may be affected depending on their closeness to the algae bloom, the size of the lake, wind direction, water flow, and other environmental conditions that cannot be predicted or controlled.
With these factors involved, the health unit notes authorities are unable to determine where and when there will be no toxins.
As a result, people are advised to exercise their judgement before using the water.
If you live near where a bloom was identified or where it is visible, do no use the water for either drinking, cooking, bathing, or brushing your teeth.
Even using a private water system of boiling the water will not destroy the toxins.
You should also be careful not to swim or play any water sports if a bloom is present.
If your skin does come in contact, the best practice is to wash with soap and then rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove the algae.
The Health Unit also advises that you limit the amount of fish you eat, as some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish.
Even though beaches have not been closed, residents are still advised to take caution in the area.