Blue-Green algae has been found in the Ottawa River near Thorne
The blue-green algae bloom does not affect the drinking water in Thorne, as the municipal water is taken from a different river.
A BayToday reader tells us, "The cyanobacteria bloom was in Lake Temiskaming - above the Timiskaming dam Complex (''Ottawa River'' officially begins right below the dams).
"Residents of the area will not know what water body the bloom was spotted in if it is referred to as the Ottawa River and they may not take this concern seriously if they are in Lake Temiskaming - reservoir above the dam that spans from the town of Témiscaming, QC up to Temiskaming Shores."
Because of the blue-green algae, immediately follow these safety measures:
- Do not use the water. This includes drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing teeth, and water sports. Note: Using a private water system or boiling the water will NOT destroy the toxins.
- Do not swim where there is blue-green algae.
- Some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish. Do not eat the liver, kidneys and other organs. Be careful not to cut the organs when filleting. Limit the amount of fish flesh you eat.
- The blue-green algae may float or sink to the bottom of the lake and you may not see it.
- Even when blue-green algae has disappeared, toxins can remain in the water for a long time.
- The Health Unit and the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change cannot confirm when the water is safe to use.
