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
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
BREAKING London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Auston Matthews skates ahead of Game 7, status unclear with season on the line
Auston Matthews was back on the ice with his teammates Saturday.
Russia puts Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on its wanted list
Russia has put Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on its wanted list, Russian state media reported Saturday, citing the interior ministry’s database.
Snakes almost on a plane: U.S. TSA discovers a bag with small snakes in passenger's pants
According to an X post by the Transportation Security Administration, officers at the Miami International Airport found the small bag of snakes hidden in a passenger's trousers on April 26 at a checkpoint.