Residents asked to avoid Nicola Lake due to algae bloom

Interior Health is asking residents to avoid swimming in Nicola Lake due to an algae bloom.

A notice was posted Friday, Aug. 12, by the health authority, advising residents and visitors of an algae bloom found near the west portion of Nicole Lake including Nicola Lake Rest Area and Boat Launch near Highway 5A and along the North Shore near Harmon Estates.

A cautionary advisory means that the presence of algae has been confirmed, but either no testing has been conducted or testing has not identified toxins, according to a press release from the Thompson Nicola Regional District.

Interior Health recommends to avoid contact with the water, to avoid conducting any recreational activities on the lake and to avoid drinking from the lake.

More information regarding algae blooms can be found on Interior Health’s website.

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