The Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) has closed the beach at the Conestogo Lake Conservation Area for the rest of the season due to a suspected blue-green algae bloom.

The conservation authority said they consulted with the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health Unit, which recommended the closure.

Water levels in the reservoir are already lower than normal due to rehabilitation work at the Conestogo Dam, a release noted.

“We know that blue-green algae conditions can change very quickly due to prolonged hot temperatures, wind direction, water flow and levels,” said Cameron Irvine, the GRCA’s supervisor of water quality.

“The low water levels in the reservoir in combination with warm air temperatures create the perfect conditions for algae to grow and bloom in large bodies of

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