That's a bad case of acne: High mineral content causes spots to break out on Canadian lake




From the looks of this lake, it could have a bad case of acne.

But this amazing body of water near Vancouver, Canada, doesn't have a problem with algae - it is a wonder of nature every summer when water evaporates.

Lake Liluk, known as the 'Spotted Lake', the unique collection of minerals in the 38-acre lake get so warm by the time that water has evaporated, they collect into colourful circles.

Skin condition: The surface of Lake Liluk, near Vancouver, Canada, looks like it is covered in brightly covered spots

Locals have been campaigning to convince the government to officially name the area a national park - but plans fell apart last week.

The lake has been captured over the last three years by professional photographer Fred Schaad.

He said: 'The time of year and even the year the lake is photographed can make a difference to the look of the lake.

'The summers are hot and dry in Okanagan, creating a semi-arid climate.

'When visiting Spotted Lake in April or May, you will likely see what might be considered "full pool".'



Unique: The lake is full of different minerals which when they are heated up, collect in colourful circles as water around them evaporates

Acne: The 'spots' are a different colour depending what time of year it is and the lake is rumoured to have healing qualities

Lake Liluk contains one of the world's highest concentrations of minerals such as magnesium sulphate, calcium and sodium sulphates, as well as eight other minerals and traces of four more including silver and titanium.

Mr Schaad said the therapeutic quality of the waters in the lake have been known for centuries and a local legend claims that a truce was declared during a battle to allow warring tribes to tend to their wounded in the lake.

He added: 'It is a rare nature phenomenon and this inspired me to visit the place and photograph its marvellous colours, textures and natural geometry.



'The place has historical significance to our First Nations people, as well.