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Dog owners warned that Elk Lake tests positive for toxic algae

Ingesting water with cyanotoxins can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs
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Water samples taken from Eagle Beach at Elk Lake tested positive for a type of blue-green algae that produces cyanotoxins. CRD warns people keep their animals on a leash. (Travis Paterson/News staff)

The Capital Regional District is warning people to keep animals on a leash and to avoid swimming in Elk Lake after it tested positive for a toxic algae.

Water samples taken from Eagle Beach at Elk Lake tested positive for a type of blue-green algae that produces cyanotoxins. Ingesting water containing these cyanotoxins may cause a range of symptoms, including headaches and abdominal pain in humans, and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs.

RELATED: Blue-green algae blooms could sink bid to host national rowing centre in Saanich

The algae produce a visible blue-green sheen, which looks like surface scum. It is not always easy to see though and toxins can still be present in the water even if the blooms aren’t obvious.

Visit www.crd.bc.ca/alerts for updates on the status of the algae bloom.

Water sample test results at Beaver Lake are negative for the toxins from blue-green algae.

RELATED: CRD steps up efforts to improve Elk/Beaver Lake water quality


 

keri.coles@blackpress.ca

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