Blue-green algae found in Wasi Lake

North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit
News Release

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The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit wishes to advise that a bloom of blue-green algae has been detected on the North End of Wasi Lake. This affects residents who live in the area of Mallard Haven Road in the Township of Chisholm.

Although many varieties of blue-green algae are relatively harmless, blooms of blue-green may contain algae species with the potential to produce toxins which may be harmful to human health and the health of animals. Once the colder weather arrives, the algae will begin to die off, which may result in the release of toxic microcystins. Studies have shown that these toxins will remain in the water for approximately three weeks after the algae have died.
If an algal bloom is evident, you are advised to take the following precautions:

∙ Avoid using the water from the North End of Wasi Lake for drinking, cooking, and washing dishes and clothes. Because the toxins can irritate the skin, you should also avoid swimming and other water sport activities that could increase the risk of ingestion and/or skin contact with algal material and toxins. Consumption of this water may pose a health hazard for both humans and animals. The Health Unit advises you to consider an alternate source of water for drinking and bathing.

∙ If you draw your water supply from surface water where algae are evident, please be aware that boiling the water or using home water treatment devices will not destroy the toxins. Because pets and livestock can also be affected, use of water from such a source is not recommended for animals.

Fact Sheets with more information about Blue-Green Algae can be found at www.healthunit.biz under “Environment/Beaches,Spas,Swimming Pools”. Fact Sheets will also be available at the Chisholm Township office. The Health Unit will provide further information as it becomes available.

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