Residents affected by Grand Lake, N.S. contamination awaiting answers
While the East Hants Aquatic Centre has been technically closed due to the pandemic, it’s been busy lately as the supply point for residents in the area who need clean water because of the unidentified contamination at Grand Lake, N.S.
Enfield, N.S. resident Robert MacKenzie is one of the people affected by the advisory not to use water drawn from Grand Lake
He just wants to know what’s going on with the water at Grand Lake.
“It’s troubling,” he says. “The fact that nobody is talking is frustrating. I have to come here to pick up water to wash my dishes, put water in the dog’s bowl, we’re bathing in the sink.”
He and his wife just moved into their lakefront property last August. Now they can’t even go in the water.
“We were so excited to have our first summer on the lake,” he adds.
“And I get erring on the side of caution,” he says. “But you need to let us know what’s going on.”
The province issued an emergency alert early Thursday morning, followed by an advisory, telling people to stay off the lake and avoid consuming any of the water. The Department of Environment says pets should also be kept out of Grand Lake.
The move came after two dogs died, and a woman was sent to hospital, after coming in contact with the lake water in Oakfield, N.S.
Rapid water samples taken last week were inconclusive. The department says visual inspections suggest the presence of a blue-green algae bloom, which can release toxins.
But one Nova Scotia algae researcher isn’t convinced that’s the cause.
In an email to CTV News, Tri Nguyen-Quang of Dalhousie University’s Biofluids and Biosystems Modeling Lab says 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.
“My conclusion, for now,” he writes, “Cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins cannot be the cause of the problem of Grand Lake or Fish Lake.”
He also notes the number of dead fish found in the area.
“My field observation can tell that there may be another chemical factor affecting on fish mortality,” he writes.
The province took its water samples from the area Thursday. It says those results are on the way.
“We are waiting for test results for the Shubenacadie Grand Lake water samples taken on Thursday,” writes Tracy Barron, media relations specialist with the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
“Those are tests for the contaminants that can be found in pesticides, toxins produced by algae, and E. Coli. We expect to have results back Tuesday.”
In the meantime, the advisory to stay clear of the water at Grand Lake remains.
That means residents who rely on the lake for their water supply, will have to continue to find alternate water sources.
Carla Countway of the East Hants Aquatic Centre says more than 120 residents came to the Centre for clean water over the weekend. The municipality just received more bottled water Monday.
Residents affected by the water advisory can come to the Centre from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily for clean water and access to the shower facilities.
People are encouraged to bring their own water containers, which can then be filled with clean water via a BPA-free hose.
Countway says the service will continue for as long as needed.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
Prince William and wife Kate thank public for birthday messages for son Louis
Prince William and his wife Kate thanked the public for their messages which had been sent to mark the sixth birthday of their youngest son Louis on Tuesday.
She was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father. Then life dealt her a blow
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
South Korean sentenced to 14 months in jail for killing 76 cats
South Korean man has been sentenced to 14 months in prison for killing 76 cats in one of the country's most gruesome cases of animal cruelty in recent years.