N.S. government says blue-green algae toxins detected in Grand Lake
Eric and Ellen Levin have lived on the shore of Nova Scotia’s Grand Lake for 13 years.
The recent advisory warning against using water from the lake for any purpose, means they’ve been using bottled water for everything from making tea to washing dishes for the past five days.
The couple have been getting their bottled water and taking showers at the East Hants Aquatic Centre.
“It’s like camping out”, laughs Ellen.
“You don’t realize how much water you use, until you’re restricted,” says Eric.
While they are managing, they've been concerned about the long wait for information as to just what is causing the problem.
“This is the problem, the lack of information that’s getting to us,” says Eric.
“We were told to shut down, we did that straight away, and then we’re waiting to hear, we’re hearing nothing.”
On Tuesday afternoon, the province provided an update on its investigation.
“The National Research Council lab did confirm that there are the microorganisms, the toxins associated with blue-green algae that were collected on Friday,” said Julie Towers, deputy minister of the provincial Department of Environment and Climate Change.
“At least at this point in time, we do know that blue-green algae did occur, there was a bloom.”
Towers said staff tested the actual algae material found at the lake.
The Department also said in a news release that the samples showed “evidence of blue-green algae consistent with levels found to be dangerous to dogs.”
Last Thursday the province told residents to stop using water from Grand Lake for any activities - including drinking, cooking, cleaning, washing, and swimming - for both people and pets.
The advisory was issued after a woman was sent to hospital and her two dogs died after coming into contact with the water at Grand Lake in the Oakfield, N.S. area.
But Towers stopped short of making a direct connection between those incidents and the blue-green algae bloom, saying the province was awaiting further test results looking for the presence of any chemicals in the lake. She also said the department is waiting for necropsy results on the dead dogs.
Towers said those results should be back soon.
“That will let us know what other requirements may or may not be needed, but knowing that there has been blue-green algae confirmed, that means people should be cautious,” Towers said.
Residents on municipal water in both Halifax and East Hants have been told their water supply is safe.
But those who draw water from the lake, or who have shallow wells within 60 metres of it, can get clean drinking water and use of shower facilities at the East Hants Aquatic Center.
According to the municipality’s Director of Infrastructure and Operations, more than 160 people have used that service so far.
“And right now, our plan looks very sustainable for at least the coming week,” says Jesse Hulsman.
On Monday, algae researcher Tri Nguyen-Quang of Dalhousie University’s Biofluids and Biosystems Modeling Lab told CTV News he took water samples from Grand Lake and nearby Fish Lake late Friday afternoon, and found “there was no presence of cyanotoxins in the water sample.”
Those toxins are normally created by the exponential cyanobacteria growth characteristic of an algae bloom.
But Tuesday, he says that only means the water was clear at that particular location at that particular moment on a very large lake.
“What would be the source of contamination for Grand Lake?” he asks. “We should take more samples, we should take more surveys, regularly.”
Towers asked residents who spot any kind of algae bloom in Grand Lake to notify the Department of Environment. She also said the department is putting together a plan to monitor the lake’s water quality moving forward.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.