Algae bloom found in Lake Nipissing's Callander Bay

For immediate release: August 17, 2018

HARMFUL ALGAE BLOOM IN CALLANDER BAY ON LAKE NIPISSING

CALLANDER, ON – The Health Unit would like to advise the public that a harmful algae bloom has been found in Callander Bay on Lake Nipissing. Callander Bay is located on the east end of Lake Nipissing.

The Callander municipal drinking water is not affected, as the water plant is equipped to remove harmful algae bloom toxins. Private homeowners who draw lake water near the affected area are not able to remove the harmful algae, and therefore should not use the water. This includes: drinking, cooking, bathing, and brushing teeth. Note: Using a private water system or boiling the water will NOT destroy the toxins.

All residents and visitors should follow these safety measures:

·         Do not swim or engage in water sports where there is algae.

·         Keep pets away from the water.

·         Some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish. Do not eat the liver, kidneys and other organs. Be careful not to cut the organs when filleting. Limit the amount of fish flesh you eat.

The Health Unit, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, and Municipality of Callander will continue to monitor the municipal water quality. You can find out more about harmful algae at myhealthunit.ca/algae or by calling the Health Unit at 705-474-1400, ext. 5400 or 1-800-563-2808.

Quick Facts

·         Although usually hard to see, during hot weather algae can grow rapidly to form a large mass, called a bloom. Blooms continually change and are difficult to predict. Wind, temperature or sunlight could change where the bloom is located in the water.

·         Dense harmful algae blooms may make the water look bluish-green, or like green pea soup or turquoise paint. Very dense blooms may form solid-looking clumps.

·         Fresh blooms often smell like newly mown grass, while older blooms may smell like rotting garbage.

·         Even when a bloom has disappeared, toxins can persist in water bodies for a long time. Toxins can irritate the skin and, if swallowed, cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, the toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage.

·         If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.

·         The harmful algae may float or sink to the bottom of the lake and you may not see it.

·         The Health Unit and the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks cannot confirm when the water is safe to use.