The beach at Conestogo Lake Conservation Area has been closed for the rest of the season due to the threat of blue-green algae and low water levels.
The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) initially issued a warning for people to stay out of the water on August 1 after what it believed to be a small blue-green algae bloom was observed in the lake reservoir. The algae has now been spotted at the beach, which prompted Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit to recommend its closure. With that recommendation and water levels in the Conestogo Lake reservoir lower than normal for this time of year due to the Conestogo Dam rehabilitation project the conservation authority shuttered the beach for the season.
"We know that blue-green algae conditions can change very quickly due to prolonged hot temperatures, wind direction, water flow and levels,” Cameron Irvine, GRCA supervisor of water quality, said in a statement. “The low water levels in the reservoir in combination with warm air temperatures create the perfect conditions for algae to grow and bloom in large bodies of water.”
Irvine noted that beach closures are rare at Grand River Conservation area. The end of summer being just a few weeks away, was also a factor in the decision to close the beach.
Some varieties of the blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both people and pets. Visitors to Conestogo Lake Conservation Area are advised to take the following safety precautions:
Keep children and pets away from the algae.
Avoid contact with the algae.
Don’t eat fish from the lake.
Don’t use the water for drinking or any other purpose.
Boating is currently allowed, but boaters and recreational users should avoid touching the algae.
The West (shorter) boat launch was shutdown for the season as of Saturday as the dam rehabilitation project progresses. The second boat launch is expected to be closed after Labour Day.
Additional information about blue-green algae can be found on the GRCA website.
