Binbrook Conservation Area beach closed after blue-green algae found

The beach at the Binbrook Conservation Area has been closed indefinitely after the toxin-producing blue-green algae was found in the water.

The City of Hamilton Public Health Services confirmed the presence of the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, that can give off a bad odour as it dies and decays.

The Niagara Conservation Authority will post signs indicating that the beach and water recreational activities have been shut down until the algae subsides.

“Hamilton Public Health Services will continue to monitor, gather water samples, and provide updates at hamilton.ca/beaches,” the city said in a statement Monday.

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The city is urging members of the public to avoid contact with the water along the shoreline of Binbrook Conservation Area beach. Those who do must wash themselves with clean water as soon as possible.

Adverse health effects are mainly caused by drinking the water that is contaminated with blue-green algae toxins. People who ingest or come into contact with visible blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Anyone who has recently been in the water at Binbrook Conservation Area beach and is experiencing headaches, fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting is advised to contact their primary care provider.

The city says the blue-green algae at the beach will not affect the safety of Hamilton’s drinking water.

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