The Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (LTVCA) has discovered a blue-green algae bloom in the Thames River in Chatham.
LTVCA officials say staff noted a discolouration in the Thames River on Monday, August 28 and contacted the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) in London.
“MOECC staff undertook sampling at several locations and advised on Tuesday that it was a cyanobacteria bloom (blue-green algae) in the Thames River,” LTVCA officials said in a press release.
“They confirmed that the samples taken contained the species responsible for shutting down drinking water intakes on Lake Erie. MOECC identified a small population in McGregor Creek, which did not appear to be the seed population for the Thames.”
LTVCA officials say the Ministry sampled as far up as Kent Bridge Road, but the river did not appear to be affected.
“MOECC determined that the cyanobacteria bloom seemed to be focused around central Chatham, which was confirmed by
LTVCA staff when driving the river from Kent Bridge down stream to Prairie Siding yesterday afternoon,” LTVCA officials stated.
“The bacteria does not always produce the toxins associated with fish kills and other threats to animal and human
health. LTVCA staff did not witness any fish die-offs when reviewing the river yesterday. However, people should
take extra caution and avoid the river, especially children, pets and livestock. Animals should be kept away from the water and not allowed to drink from the river.”
LTVCA officials say officials from the MOECC, Health Unit and LTVCA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when available.
