It’s safe once again for dogs and horses to splash in the waters of Elk and Beaver lakes.

A week-long blue-green-algae advisory was lifted Friday after water samples taken this week showed no detectable presence of Microcystin-LR, the toxin associated with blue-green algae.

article continues below

However, Capital Regional District Regional Parks is reminding people to watch for the distinctive blue-green sheen that appears on the lake during winter and spring.

Anyone who sees the algae, which appears as surface scum, should report the sighting to CRD parks at 250-478-3344.

On Nov. 7, the regional district issued a public warning that water samples had tested positive for the blue-green algae. Pet owners were warned to keep their animals on a leash to prevent them from drinking from or swimming in the lakes.

In February 2012, the brightly coloured algae was found to be toxic and a potential pet killer.

Not all varieties of the blue-green algae are toxic, but some produce neurotoxins, which can kill animals rapidly, or hepo-toxins, which can affect the liver.

Toxic varieties can cause symptoms ranging from skin rashes to stomach cramps and fever, according to the website of the B.C. Ministry of Environment.