The algae is noted for its pea soup-coloured appearance and foul smell, the health unit said, in addition to its ability to produce toxins which can cause skin irritation and if ingested, lead to diarrhea and vomiting.

Ingesting high levels of the toxins in the algae can result in liver and nervous system damage.

For those reasons, the public health officials said that people should not use or drink water from areas where blooms are visible.

The health unit also advised that highest concentrations of toxins are usually found in blooms and scum on the shoreline, which pose the greatest risk to people and pets.