A blue-green algae bloom at Crooked Lake Provincial Park. (Government of Saskatchewan)

By Chris Vandenbreekel

Blue-green algae warning issued by Sask. government

Jul 30, 2020 | 6:49 PM

As the summer heat builds, dangerous blooms of blue-green algae could be popping up in Saskatchewan lakes, prompting a warning from the Water Security Agency and Ministry of Health.

The provincial government said people shouldn’t swim in or drink water from lakes with the blooms.

Algae blooms are most common on lakes, reservoirs or other bodies of water with slow-moving or still currents during hot weather spells.

A release Thursday tells people to watch out for water with a foamy, “pea soup” appearance. The blooms can be blue-green, grey, bright blue or tan in colour.

Swimming in or drinking water with the algae can cause red skin, sore throat, cramping or diarrhea.

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The agencies are also advising that caution should be taken with any fish or shellfish caught in areas with algae blooms. Low amounts of algae can lead to accumulation in the kidneys, blood, gills and bile of fish. However, the release noted correctly gutted or filleted fish pose minimal risk.

No Saskatchewan lakes have been closed due to algae blooms in 2020.