Regina health region warns of blue-green algae found on two lakes

The Regina Qu'Appelle Health Region is warning about the development of potentially toxic blue-green algae on Katepwa and Echo Lakes.

Region spokesman Rob Schuba says warning signs have been posted in those areas to let people know to not swim there, but adds some people may have already been exposed.

He says the algae can cause irritations and rashes, adding that so far there have been no reports of people becoming ill from ingesting the water.

As for fishing in the water, it seems the rules are a little looser but there are still come precautions to take.

Schuba says fish from the lakes should only be eaten in moderation and people should not eat the digestive systems of the fish.

The Region says they are testing bodies of water on a weekly basis and that more could be added to the list if one of the tests comes up positive.

Schuba says nature will eventually get rid of the problem with a strong wind, which will sink the blooms to the bottom of the lake and get rid of them.

According to Purewest Environmental Solutions, these types of algae blooms mostly appear during hot summer months and have been most prevalent in the Prairies, especially Saskatchewan and Manitoba.