You shouldn’t drink it, swim in it, or fish from it.

That’s the advice from the Water Security Agency and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health about lakes or reservoirs with blue-green algae bloom.

The WSA explains that these algae blooms commonly occur during calm, hot weather in bodies of water that have shallow, slow moving or still water. It looks like a shimmering, foamy pea soup that is usually blue-green, bright blue, grey or tan in colour.

The Health Ministry says swimming in or drinking in water affected by this algae can cause red skin, sore throat, cramps or diarrhea.

The Ministry also cautions about eating fish or shellfish caught in areas where there is a blue-green algae bloom. In particular it is recommended that people limit their consumption of fish organs, including the skin because toxins can accumulate there.

Pet owners and livestock producers are advised to keep their animals away.