Freshwater lakes in Lake Country occasionally experience algae blooms, particularly during spring runoff. Blooms are the result of nutrients entering the aquatic system and causing excessive growth of algae. Not all algae blooms are harmful, but some like blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, should be avoided.
At the instruction of the Interior Health Authority (IHA), the District of Lake Country samples local freshwater lakes for testing by IHA throughout the year. If a harmful algae bloom is detected, IHA will advise the District to post signage at the public beach access points of the impacted lake. The District will also notify the public by sending out a notification to email subscribers. When the harmful bloom has disappeared, IHA will advise the District that the signs can be removed and subscribers will be automatically notified by email.
![A sign posted at an entrance to a beach that signals there is an algae bloom in Wood Lake](/sites/default/files/styles/16_9_688x387/public/2024-08/IMG_3535.jpg?itok=bCBaNlES)