The Ministry of the Environment’s test results have confirmed the presence of anabaena, a species of blue-green algae (sometimes known as Cyanobacteria). This is a species that can produce toxins in the water. In sufficient concentrations these toxins can cause health problems. The health warning will stay in effect until further notice.
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Blue-green Algae Advisory Update (August 8, 2011)
On Monday morning the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District (HKPRD) Health Unit reported that the Blue-Green Algae Bloom Warning remains in place today. The Health Unit is expecting test results from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) on Wednesday. Those results are expected to be more specific than the very general warning presently in place. The warning status is unlikely to change before then.
Warning: Beach Posted – Suspected Blue-Green Algae Bloom (August 5 2011)
Today (August 5th) the Ministry of the Environment (MOE) posted the Sturgeon Point Public Beach because of a suspected Blue-Green algae bloom. If you visit the Public Beach, you’ll notice a warning sign posted to the garbage bin. “Posting” means that using the lake water or swimming in the lake may pose a health risk. Although the Upper Wharf area has no sign announcing the posting, you should assume that the posting applies that location as well as any private waterfront properties here in Sturgeon Point.
Beach Testing Results
An astute reader of this blog pointed out that our Beach Testing Results link on our Links Page wasn’t working. This pointer is appreciated, and the oversight has been remedied. In light of the recent algae bloom advisory elsewhere on Sturgeon Lake, this is an appropriate time to remind Sturgeon Pointers that our beach is tested on a weekly basis. Those test results are also posted weekly and you can see them by clicking here. Interested readers can find this link permanently located on the Links Page under the Weather, Traffic, Fishing, Swimming header.
You’ll be happy to know that our beach has faired very well over recent history. In any case, Happy Swimming!