Officials take samples of water at Grand Lake. Photo: Communications Nova Scotia
An advisory is expected to remain in effect for Shubenacadie-Grand Lake throughout the summer.
The Department of Environment and Climate Change has issued the blue-green algae advisory after testing confirmed its presence in the water with levels considered to be dangerous to dogs.
Testing has shown pesticides and other contaminants were below detectable levels.
Residents are advised not to drink or cook with the water and told it’s safest not to swim or boat in the lake.
A webinar will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday to give residents the opportunity to ask questions about water quality and blue-green algae. You can watch it here.
Testing at the lake began last week after two dogs died and a person was sent to hospital. An emergency alert was issued warning about an “unknown issue” impacting the lake.
The department says when blue-green algae appears in a lake once, it’s more likely to appear again, so a cautious approach is always best. It adds blooms are appearing more frequently in Nova Scotia due to climate change, as blue-green algae likes warm water or water with a lot of nutrients.
Anyone who sees a bloom is asked to contact one of the department’s regional offices. Residential treatment systems typically are not capable of removing the toxins it produces.
Meantime, environment officials say they’ve been contacted with concerns regarding the nearby Oakfield Golf and Country Club. The department says it has not found any issues related to pesticide use or storage at the golf course, or any non-compliance issue involving the facility.
