A blue-green algae risk advisory previously in effect for Birch Cove Beach at Dartmouth's Lake Banook has been lifted, according to a release Wednesday from the Halifax Regional Municipality. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, occurs in freshwater environments and can multiply rapidly during the summer. Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins during blooms. Toxins may be released into the water when the blooms decay. However, test results showed no toxin-producing blue-green algae in samples collected.
Risk advisory in effect for Lake Banook after possible algae bloom
Swimmers are being asked to avoid Dartmouth's popular Lake Banook due to a possible blue-green algae bloom. A release from the Halifax Regional Municipality Sunday afternoon announced a risk advisory was in effect for Birch Cove Beach, and people were asked to avoid swimming there until further notice. City staff are currently investigating whether or not it is a toxin-producing algae, the release said. Blue-green algae naturally occurs in freshwater environments and can multiply rapidly during the summer, leading to extensive growth called a bloom. Some types of this algae produce toxins during blooms and those toxins may leak into the water when the bloom fades, the release said.