Lake Toxin Monitoring Project

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Lakes monitored
Elk lake
Fishing Dock
0.3770 ug/L
Prospect lake
Whitehead Park - Dock
0.0000 ug/L
Thetis lake
Main Beach
0.0000 ug/L
Elk Lake
Updated July 23, 2025
Date Lake Test Location Toxin Type Amount
Jul 23, 2025 Elk lake Fishing Dock Total Micocystin 0.3770 ug/L
Jul 16, 2025 Elk lake Fishing Dock Total Micocystin 0.9550 ug/L
Jul 9, 2025 Elk lake Fishing Dock Total Micocystin 0.3960 ug/L
Jul 2, 2025 Elk lake Fishing Dock Anatoxin A 0.0250 ug/L
Jul 2, 2025 Elk lake Fishing Dock Total Micocystin 0.4840 ug/L

As part of MB Laboratories internal environmental initiative, we are sharing microcystin test results from select lakes around Victoria, BC where algal blooms have been reported. This project is not affiliated with any government agency or regulatory body — we are providing this information as a community service.

This project reflects our commitment to environmental testing and transparency and we hope this data helps support informed community decisions.

Human Health Guideline Values

For reference, the following human health guideline values apply:

Use Microcystin Cylindrospermopsin
Canadian Drinking Water 1.5 µg/L (Health Canada, 2024) Not specified
U.S. EPA Drinking Water 1.6 µg/L (children-adults, 2024) 3.0 µg/L (EPA, July 2024)
U.S. EPA Recreational 8.0 µg/L (EPA, July 2024) 15.0 µg/L (EPA, July 2024)

These limits are for humans. Children and pets are more sensitive and may require extra caution.

Disclaimers

  • We are not a regulator. Always consult your local government or health authority for official guidance.
  • We are reporting toxin levels only.
  • We do not make any claims about water safety for drinking or recreation.

Our testing was performed using:
Method Ref: MBL-S05-LC/MS/MS Algae Toxins rev 5-23Jun23
Based on EPA Method 544 (EPA/600/R-14/474)
(Sevasti-Kiriaki A. et al., J. Haz. Materials 323(A):56-66, 2017; PICES Session 57, Oct 27, 2021)