The Health Unit is saying that blue-green algae has been found in Lake Nosbonsing.
The geographic location of the algae is 46.2239808, -79.1646094.
It advises that 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 says neither it nor the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks can confirm when the water is safe to use.
Cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae or ‘pond scum’, are not really algae, but tiny bacteria.
