The province says blue-green algae has been detected in 4 Nova Scotia lakes

The Nova Scotia government has discovered blue-green algae in Oat Hill Lake in Dartmouth, Armstrong Lake and Lake Torment in Kings County, and Covey Lake in Lunenburg County.

The algae produce toxins that can cause illness in humans and can be deadly to pets.

Blue-green algae can be found in all parts of Nova Scotia, and once they appear in a body of water, they will bloom again if the conditions are right.

Nova Scotia is likely to see more blooms with increasing climate change and instances of extreme heat and precipitation.

How to learn about blue-green algal blooms

Nova Scotia’s Department of Environment and Climate Change posts a list of possible blue-green algal blooms online and share reports on social media

The county’s blue-green algae website says it can be turquoise, green, brown, red, white, or a mix of these colors. It says that flowers “may look like finely cut grass in the water, spilled paint or pea soup” and sometimes appear as a thick foam on the surface.

Once dried, the county says blue-green algae can appear brown or gray. Animals are attracted to the scent and may try to eat it. It says to keep children and pets away from algae mats.

People and pets are not allowed to drink, swim, bathe, shower or brush teeth with the water.

Anyone who has unintentionally come into contact with blue-green algae is advised by the province to wash themselves and all items that have come into contact with this.