Interior Health discourages swimming in Wood Lake due to algae bloom

While Interior Health has not discovered any toxins related to an algae bloom in Wood Lake, it has discouraged swimming in the lake.

Lake Country residents first reported a thick sludge on the lake in April. The health authority since warned residents to avoid swimming in the bloom and said to avoid drinking water from the lake.

READ MORE: Interior Health warns of potentially harmful algae bloom on Wood Lake

"While toxins have not been detected at this time, conditions can change so Interior Health’s advice to the public remains the same," the health authority said in a statement.

"Interior Health continues to monitor and test the bloom weekly. Although it is less pronounced, the bloom remains visible from shoreline and satellite photos."

Swimming and other recreational activities are discouraged at this time, according to the health authority.

It asks residents to avoid all contact with the bloom and to rinse off with clean water if you go into the lake.

Interior Health also asked residents to consider using an alternative source of drinking water other than Wood Lake, as boiling water will not remove toxins and to consider providing pets and livestock with alternative sources of drinking water.

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