HAMILTON
,
ON
– July 28, 2006 – The City of Hamilton’s Public Health Services is advising residents and visitors to avoid swimming or wading near the shoreline and in shallow calm areas of water in the western end of Hamilton Harbour and Princess Point in Cootes Paradise, particularly when a noticeable green discolouration of the water or surface scum is observed. Blue-green algae (known as cyanobacteria) have been observed recently along the shoreline and in recreational water use areas in western Hamilton Harbour. Some blue-green algae have the potential to produce toxins or skin irritants.. Current conditions in the Harbour (nutrient levels, warm and calm weather) are optimal for the growth of blue-green algae, and they can become particularly visible as surface scums which are blown onto the shorelines by light winds following calm weather. Residents are advised not to eat fish caught in these areas, and not to let toddlers or pets come into contact or drink from the water.
As a precaution, warning signs have been posted along the Hamilton Harbour Waterfront Trail between Princess Point and Pier 8, including recreational water access and use points in between:
- Princess Point
- Desjardin Canal Fishing Area
- Bayfront Boat Launch
- Bayfront Beach
- Pier 4 Beach
- Pier 4 Boat Launch
- Pier 8
The Macassa Yacht Club, Royal Hamilton Yacht Club, Leander Boat Club, Sand MacDonald Marina, and Harbour West Marina have been informed and provided with signs for posting.
Adverse health effects are mainly related to ingestion of water contaminated with blue green algae. Skin contact with blue green algae contaminated water can cause skin irritation and itching. Blue-green algae toxins, if present in sufficient amounts, can cause headaches, fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, skin rashes and mucous membrane irritation. It is important to note that they can be present in the water even in the absence of a visible scum. If blue-green algae have been previously growing in the area, some of these toxins are released into the water when the cells die and are not easily degraded. It should also be noted that not all surface scums are toxic since they can be also caused by other, non toxic algae. More information can be found at:
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/water-eau/drink-potab/cyanobacteria-cyanobacteries_e.html
http://www.esf.edu/merhab/index.asp
http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/diseases/cyanobacteria/en/
It must be emphasized that the safety of Hamilton’s drinking water supply is not affected by this situation.
Anyone who has been in the water of western Hamilton Harbour recently, and is experiencing headaches, fever, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, is advised to contact their physician.
Hamilton Public Health Services staff is working closely with Halton Region staff to monitor the situation. For more information, please call the City of Hamilton Public Health Services Safe Water Hotline at 905-546-2189 or visit www.hamilton.ca/publichealth.
Media Contact:
Eric Mathews
Manager, Health Protection Division 905-546-2424 xt 2186