The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit is advising residents and visitors about a blue-green algae bloom in the east end of the main basin of Three Mile Lake in the Township of Muskoka Lakes.

The Health Unit is asking residents and visitors to:

• avoid swimming and other water sport activities or allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible
• be cautious about eating fish caught in water near an algae bloom
• do not use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water

Blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint.

Symptoms from consuming toxins from a blue-green algae bloom can include headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting and can be more serious if water is swallowed in large quantities.