Peterborough Public Health has announced the temporary closure of two popular beaches in the City of Peterborough.
Beavermead Park Beach located at 2011 Ashburnham Drive and Rogers Cove Beach at 131 Maria Street will remain closed until further notice. The closure comes after the observation of potential harmful blue-green algae blooms in the water.
The discovery was made by the staff of Peterborough Public Health on Friday during their routine collection of beach water samples. Immediately upon noticing the suspect blooms, the authorities informed the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre. They have since received confirmation that the ministry will be conducting tests on the blooms. The City of Peterborough has also been informed and is supporting the beach closures.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, are bacteria known for their rapid reproduction and tendency to form large visible blooms in water bodies. These blooms can appear as scum on the water surface or as mats at the lake bottom. Some species of cyanobacteria have the potential to release toxins, called cyanobacterial toxins, when their cells rupture or die.
Although the harmful nature of the observed blooms has not been confirmed, Peterborough Public Health has taken precautionary measures by closing the beaches for swimming while awaiting further testing. While many forms of blue-green algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins that pose risks to humans and animals. Exposure to these toxins through activities such as drinking, swimming, and bathing can lead to various symptoms including skin and eye irritation, rashes, headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It should be noted that some individuals may not experience any reaction.
Additionally, pets should be kept away from water with suspected or confirmed harmful algae blooms, as they may consume contaminated water, resulting in sickness or even death. The primary risk to humans arises from consuming drinking water contaminated with toxins from dense harmful algae blooms, which, if consumed over a long period, may cause neurological or liver problems.
Peterborough Public Health assures the residents that there is currently no known risk to the municipal drinking water supply in the City of Peterborough. Residents who suspect the presence of blue-green algae blooms are advised to report them to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks Spills Action Centre at 1-800-268-6060.
In the event that algae blooms are visible, residents are advised to take certain precautions. They should avoid using the water for drinking, food preparation, bathing, showering, or swimming. Children, pets, and livestock should not be allowed to swim in or consume the water. In case of skin contact with the algae, it is recommended to wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove any traces.
Boiling the water is not advised as it will not eliminate the toxins and might actually release more of them into the water. Cooking with the water should also be avoided as the food may absorb toxins during the cooking process. Home treatment systems may not effectively remove the toxins and can become clogged, thus failing to eliminate the risk. Finally, the water should not be treated with disinfectants such as chlorine bleach, as this can break open algal cells and release toxins.
For more information on blue-green algae and precautions to be taken before swimming or consuming water in the presence of algae blooms, residents are encouraged to visit Peterborough Public Health’s Blue-Green Algae webpage at www.peterboroughpublichealth.ca/blue-green-algae/. Alternative formats of information can be requested by calling 705-743-1000 or emailing info@peterboroughpublichealth.ca.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)