N.S. warns residents to keep eyes out for blue-green algae as weather gets warmer
As the weather in Nova Scotia continues to get warmer, the province is reminding residents to keep their eyes out for blue-green algae.
“We want everyone to safely enjoy our lakes, rivers, ponds and streams this summer. Knowing what to look for allows people to be alert so they can make informed decisions to keep themselves, their families and their pets safe,” said Environment and Climate Change Minister Timothy Halman.
“One of the impacts of climate change is more blue-green algae.”
Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae is naturally occurring, being found in freshwater such as lakes and rivers. The plant-like substance grows more often in warmer weather.
The province describes the algae as often looking like fine glass clippings in the water, spilled paint, pea soup, or like a thick scum on the surface of the water. The mats of the algae can often appear as clumps of vegetation, appearing as black, brown, or dark green in the water. The mats can also detach, having a foul odour which may attract dogs.
The province will be trying a new pilot project this year using QR codes at 25 separate locations in provincial parks which will give people recent information of the area.
Side effects of swimming in or accidentally inhaling or swallowing water contaminated with the algae can include:
- itchy, irritated eyes and skin
- headaches
- fever
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- nausea
- vomiting
Eating the algae can also be fatal for pets.
The province lists a number of ways to reduce risk, including:
- scanning the water/shoreline for blue-green algae before swimming in freshwater
- avoiding contact with blooms of algae
- not drinking freshwater when swimming in lakes
- calling a veterinarian is a pet comes into contact
The province also says to report sightings of the algae to 1-877-936-8476.
For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Hezbollah confirms its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike
Lebanon's Hezbollah group confirmed on Saturday that its leader and one of its founders, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut the previous day.
They hit it off on vacation but then he went silent. So she decided to pick up the phone
When a few weeks passed and Nana Prempeh still hadn’t heard from the guy she met on vacation, she turned to her friends for advice.
Historians call it Canada's oldest standing indoor hockey arena. What's next for the Stannus Street Rink?
Windsor, N.S. has long-claimed to be the 'birthplace of hockey.' Local historians believe the game has roots in the town, located in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley.
'I love you but I hate you.' What to do when you can't stand your long-term partner
It's often said there is a thin line between love and hate, but is it OK to sometimes hate your long-term partner? If you ask actress Jamie Lee Curtis, it's practically necessary.
Scientists discover hidden ancient forest on treeless island
Trees haven't grown on the Falkland Islands for thousands of years. But tree trunks and branches preserved in peat suggest the islands were once home to a forest.
Vance exuded calm during a tense debate stage moment. Can he keep it up when he faces Walz?
When two of his Republican rivals for an Ohio Senate seat nearly came to blows on live statewide television two years ago, JD Vance appeared unimpressed.
Walz has experience on a debate stage pinning down an abortion opponent's shifting positions
Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz knows how to lean into abortion rights on the debate stage. He's done it before.
Killer who stabbed victim 'at least 52 times' dies in B.C. prison
A 72-year-old inmate serving a life sentence for a brutal murder that happened in Chilliwack in 2016 has died, according to the Correctional Service of Canada.
Hurricane tracker: follow Helene's path on this interactive map
Here is an interactive hurricane map using live tracking data from the NOAA National Hurricane Center (NHC), following Hurricane Helene's observed and forecasted paths.