BELWOOD – The Grand River Conservation Authority is warning visitors about a second suspected blue-green algae bloom at Belwood Lake.
The GRCA says the bloom has been observed upstream of the Wellington Road 26 bridge in the Belwood Lake reservoir.
Visitors, recreational users and cottagers are being urged to take precautions and avoid contact with the algae.
The GRCA advises keeping children and pets away from affected areas, avoiding swimming where algae or scum is visible, and not using the lake water for drinking or other purposes.
People are also being told not to eat fish from the lake.
Boating is still permitted in designated areas, but boaters should avoid touching the algae.
The latest notice comes as previous warnings remain in effect for other locations, including parts of Belwood Lake, Guelph Lake and Shade’s Mills Conservation Area.
The GRCA warns that toxins may remain in the water even after a bloom is no longer visible, meaning the existing notices will stay in place for the remainder of the season.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health have been notified.
Anyone experiencing symptoms after coming into contact with blue-green algae should contact their physician. For more information, residents can visit the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health website.
