Residents in Muskoka Lakes are being cautioned about a confirmed blue-green algae bloom impacting the northwest shoreline of Leonard Lake.

The Health Unit is recommending that you

• Do not drink water from private water supplies that draw from or are impacted by the area of the lake where blue-green algae has been identified.
• Do not use the private surface water supply taken from affected lake water for the preparation of infant formula.
• Do not swim or engage in other water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible. Blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.
• Do not allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible.

Symptoms following contact or consuming toxins from a blue-green algae bloom can include skin, eye or throat irritation, breathing difficulties, headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Symptoms can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.