Interior Health’s ‘cautionary advisory’ about an algal bloom at the Salmon Arm wharf and Tappen remains in effect.
Interior Health sent its most current information to the Observer on Friday, Aug. 12, noting that water samples were collected at the two locations to test for toxins. Interior Health is waiting for the results of the samples.
The cautionary advisory issued on Aug. 10 results from two sightings.
An algae bloom was observed on Shuswap Lake (Steamboat Island going westward into Tappen Bay) on Aug 3. An algae bloom was also observed at the Salmon Arm wharf on Aug 8.
Precautions suggested include:
• If there is a bloom, always use caution. Avoid all direct contact with a bloom. If contact is made, it is important to rinse your body with clean water.
• If you see a bloom, recreational activities, such as swimming, are discouraged.
• Consider using an alternate source for drinking water, if the bloom is in your drinking water source. Boiling the water will not remove any toxins. Contact your water supplier for more information.
• Consider providing pets and livestock with an alternate source of drinking water.
For learning more about algal blooms and how to recognize them, the Shuswap Watershed Council suggests:
• Algae Watch website: www.gov.bc.ca/algaewatch
• Cyanobacteria Blooms (blue-green algae): on the HealthLinkBC website.
Read more: RCMP issue warning after boat capsizes on Shuswap Lake during big storm
Read more: Testing for possible algae bloom in Shuswap Lake to begin after weekend
