Notice regarding Blue-Green Algae in Paudash Lake

The Peterborough District Office of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) received a complaint regarding a possible blue green algal bloom in Paudash Lake on July 2, 2024.

The Peterborough District Office collected samples at the same location on July 3, 2024, although the bloom was no longer visible. The complainant had also collected a sample when the bloom was present. All samples were sent to the lab for identification and confirmation. The water samples taken by Ministry staff showed no indication of a bloom based on visual observations and analysis of the sample. However, Ministry staff also picked up samples that the resident collected. Laboratory analysis confirmed the presence of blue-green algae based on the samples that the resident collected on July 1, 2024.

It is suspected that the current is strong enough in that location that the bloom traveled past that sample location and the bloom was not detected the following day. Accurate cyanotoxin analysis was not possible at this location from the samples the resident had taken.

For general information on blue-green algae, please refer to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks’ Blue-Green Algae information page or Haliburton-Kawartha Pine Ridge District Health Unit's Blue-Green Algae information page.