A blue-green algae bloom advisory has been issued for Durrance Lake, joining other impacted water bodies in Greater Victoria.
The Capital Regional District, in consultation with Island Health, on Monday (Sept. 23) announced it was expanding an existing algae bloom advisory already in place for Beaver and Prior lakes to the Durrance watering hole.
Those visiting the lakes are being advised to avoid contact with blue-green algae blooms, which usually produce a visible sheen showing those same colours on the water's surface. It's also recommended that people keep their pets leashed so the animals don't swim in the lake or drink the water.
The CRD said the blooms are known to produce toxins that could could cause headaches and abdominal pain in people, and can lead to lethal liver damage in dogs. The toxins may also be present even if the blooms are not visible.
