Algae are expected to be a factor until late fall. Algae are simple photosynthetic plants that live either in water or damp areas. Algae are the primary producers of organic matter at the base of the food chain and they also provide oxygen for other aquatic life. Shoal Lake, Winnipeg s water source, always contains various types of algae. When conditions are favourable, most often in July and August, the numbers of algae can increase dramatically creating a condition called a bloom .
Algae blooms can produce an unpleasant taste and odour in tap water.
Residents can continue to use the water, and there is no need to take special precautions. Only a few dozen of the many thousands of species of algae produce a toxin that may be of health concern at high levels. Winnipeg water is routinely tested during the summer season for microcystin-LR, which is one of the toxins of concern. All the results of the samples taken during 2000 were below the detection level for the toxin. The detection level is well below the recommended Canadian Drinking Water Guideline.