Possible blue-green algae in Ramsey Lake: Sudbury health unit

Several beaches on Ramsey Lake in Sudbury, Ont., are being tested for blue-green algae.

The Sudbury and District Health Unit has posted warning signs at the main, amphitheatre, new, Canoe Club and Bell Grove beaches, advising the public to avoid drinking, swimming orallowing pets in the water.

Although the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change is still conducting tests on water samples, Ramsey Lake has been added to the health unit's list of local waterwaysconfirmed to have the toxic bacteria found in blue-green algae.

Officials with the health unit saythe city's drinking water supply isnot affected, if the algae is detected in the swimming areas. That's because the nearby David Street Water Treatment Plant.

"The health unit has been informed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change that the plant has an effective barrier to all algae and can reduce the levels of algae toxins found in raw water," saysBurgess Hawkins,manager of theenvironmental health division.

"This means that the municipal drinking water supply is protected."

• Blue green algae detected in St. Charles Lake: Sudbury health unit
• Elevated levels of bacteria found at Kalmo, Canoe Club beach

Residents are advised to look out for the algae blooms, which can be identified by their pea-soup consistency and foul smell.

Toxins in the algae can cause skin irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, and in high levels, liver and nervous system damage.

Ramsey Lake is the third lake to be investigated for blue-green algae in the past month. St. Charles Lake, in the city's south end, and Whitson Lake in Val Caron, have both tested positive.