Chatham – Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) staff noted another discolouration in the Thames River in Chatham caused by a bloom of blue-green algae on Friday, September 22.  The bloom seems to have spread over the weekend and now appears to be forming upstream in the Lower Thames through Middlesex and Elgin Counties, as well as having flowed downstream to the mouth at Lake St. Clair.

Overall, the bloom doesn’t seem to be as severe as the one that occurred in late August, but this one seems to cover a larger area.   Some varieties of this algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals.   People should take a precautionary approach and assume toxins are present, avoid using, drinking, bathing or swimming in the water, and restrict pet and livestock access to the water.

Please review the fact sheet from The Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change website https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae for further information.  If you spot blue-green algal blooms, call the:

Spills Action Centre
416-325-3000 or 1-800-268-6060
TTY: 1-855-889-5775

For Further Information Contact:

Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

(519) 354-7310

Valerie Towsley – Resource Technician Ext. 226 or

Jason Wintermute – Water Management Specialist Ext.227

[email protected] www.ltvca.ca