Photo courtesy of the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority.

Officials with the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority are keeping tabs on an algae bloom in the Thames River.

First noticed in Chatham on August 1st, the bloom has been slowly moving downstream.

The bloom appears as dark or rusty brown with lighter streaks, some describing it as looking like an oil spill.

The LTVCA say it appears similar to previous blue-green algae blooms in 2020, 2019, and 2017.

Some varieties of this algae can produce toxins that are harmful to both humans and animals. As a precaution, people should assume toxins may be present and avoid using, drinking, bathing or swimming in the water, and restrict pet and livestock access to the water.