Halifax-area beach reopens following blue-green algae bloom

A sign warning of blue-green algae blooms is pictured at Oakfield Park Beach in Oakfield, N.S., on July 16. (Paul DeWitt/CTV Atlantic)

A Halifax-area beach has reopened after a possible blue-green algae bloom was spotted earlier this month.

The Halifax Regional Municipality says Oakfield Park Beach in Oakfield was closed on July 16 so toxin levels could be tested after what appeared to be blue-green algae was spotted in the water.

HRM says the beach has reopened as toxin levels are within Health Canada limits according to test results, and no new algae has been seen.

Staff regularly test water quality at all supervised municipal beaches from July 1 to Aug. 31.

Blue-green algae occur naturally in freshwater environments and may grow when weather conditions are calm and warm. Some types of blue-green algae produce toxins that can pose a risk to people and pets.

HRM warns anyone who comes in contact with a blue-green algae bloom, or ingests water containing blue-green algae blooms, should watch for the following symptoms:

• skin irritation
• rash
• sore throat
• sore red eyes
• swollen lips
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting and/or diarrhea

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