Toxin-producing blue-green algae bloom shutters Dartmouth’s Birch Cove Beach

DARTMOUTH, N.S. — Halifax Regional Municipality has closed Birch Cove Beach in Dartmouth due to a toxin-producing blue-green algae bloom.

The closure comes after the beach was previously shut down due to high bacteria levels.

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are microscopic bacteria that live in surface water like lakes, ponds, rivers and streams that can be dangerous to people and pets. The organisms can multiply rapidly during the hot summer months and may release toxins into the water when the blooms die.

Inhaling, swallowing or having skin contact with blue-green algae-contaminated water can cause itchy, irritated eyes and skin, headaches, fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. These symptoms can be worse for children or immune-compromised individuals.

Further testing will be carried out and the beach will remain closed until blooms have disappeared and post-bloom test results indicate the toxin concentration water is within safe limits, as determined by Health Canada.

More information about blue-green algae can be found online .