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
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
Most of Canada to receive emergency alert test today
The federal government will test its capacity to issue emergency alerts today, with the exception of Ontario, where the test will take place on May 15.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests about relationship with Prince Harry
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Ontario man devastated to learn $150,000 line of credit isn't insured after wife dies
An Ontario man found out that a line of credit he thought was insured actually isn't after his wife of 50 years died.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
Trial begins for Winnipeg serial killer who claims he was mentally ill
The trial of a man who admits he killed four women in Winnipeg is set to begin Wednesday, and a law professor says lawyers for Jeremy Skibicki have multiple hurdles to clear for a defence of mental illness.
These adults born in the '90s partnered with their parents to buy homes in Ontario
An Ontario woman said it would have been impossible to buy a house without her mother – an anecdote that animates the fact that over 17 per cent of Canadian homeowners born in the ‘90s own their property with their parents, according to a new report.
New Canadian study could be a lifesaver for thousands suffering from CTE
A first-of-its-kind Canadian research study is working towards a major medical breakthrough for a brain disorder, believed to be caused by repeated head injuries, that can only be detected after death.