In-depth testing rules out presence of petroleum products, hydrocarbons in Grand Lake, N.S.
The results of more in-depth water testing at Grand Lake, N.S. has ruled out the presence of petroleum products and hydrocarbons and has once again shown blue-green algae to be the issue.
Julie Towers, the deputy minister of environment and climate change, recommends residents who get their water from the lake continue to find an alternative water source for the foreseeable future.
"We recommend drilled wells that are properly constructed, dug wells that are properly constructed," explained Elizabeth Kennedy, an environment and climate change water quality specialist. "If municipal water is available or a public water supply is available and otherwise, an alternative water supply."
Now that blue-green algae has been detected in the lake, Kennedy says there is no way to get rid of it. She says a number of samples were taken at various locations around the lake and some did come back negative, however that doesn't mean there aren't toxins present.
"It just demonstrates that it’s about the concentration and the location that you're taking the sample in. That doesn't necessarily mean that there are no toxins present or there won't be toxins present where you choose to use the lake," said Kennedy.
Towers says if people do choose to swim or boat on the lake, they are doing so at their own risk.
"Everyone is going to have to make their choices about what level of risk they are comfortable with," explained Kennedy.
No signs of contamination were found in nearby Fish Lake. Officials say there is a high probability of more algae blooms throughout the summer.
Anyone who sees an algae bloom on any lake in the province should contact their regional office of the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
Pro-plastic lobbyist presence at UN talks is 'troubling,' say advocates
Environmentalist groups are sounding the alarm about a steep increase in the number of pro-plastic lobbyists at the UN pollution talks taking place this week.