The Capital Regional District (CRD) and Island Health are advising the public that a blue-green algae advisory has been declared for the Brookleigh Boat Launch at Elk Lake.
An advisory also remains in place for all of Beaver Lake, which has had a blue-green algae warning in place since October 2023.
According to Island Health and the CRD, blue-green algae is dangerous because it can produce cyanotoxins.
These harmful algae blooms are common in nutrient-rich, warm water and pose serious health risks to humans and animals.
Swimming in water affected with a blue-green algae bloom can cause skin irritation, gastroenteritis, liver damage and neurotoxicity.
“Visitors are advised to avoid contact with blue green algae and to keep animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the lake until the advisory has been lifted,” said the CRD in a media release.
The algae can be hard to detect by sight, but usually produces a blue-green sheen, which appears as surface scum on the water.
For updates on the status of this blue-green algae bloom, check the Island Health beach water quality webpage.
Other beaches with current water quality advisories include Glen Lake south, Ross Bay Beach and Art Mann Park.
