The Capital Regional District is warning of blue-green algae detected in two lakes that are popular with joggers and pet owners.
Samples taken from Elk and Beaver Lake tested positive for the toxic algae and associated cyanotoxins.
While a blue-green sheen is visible on Beaver Lake, there are no visible signs of the algae at Elk Lake, according to the CRD.
Pet owners should still keep their animals on a leash at both lakes to prevent them from drinking or swimming in the water, which can cause potentially deadly liver damage in dogs.
Toxins in the algae can cause symptoms including headaches and abdominal pain to any humans who ingest contaminated water.
Blue-green algae blooms regularly occur from November to March, and monitoring will continue at both Elk and Beaver Lake, the CRD said.
