The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit says a bloom of toxin containing blue-green algae has been detected in Lake Nosbonsing. The bloom is on the east side of The Narrows on the south shore, near Mink Lake. The Health Unit advises residents to take several precautions, including not to use the water for cooking or bathing if they use a private water system. Avoid swimming or other water sport activities that could increase the risk of algae material and toxins contacting your skin or being swallowed.
Some toxins produced by cyanobacteria accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish, particularly in the guts and other organs including the liver or kidney. It’s not known if the toxins accumulated in fish would be a concern. These precautions are effective immediately. While the blue-green algae bloom may not show the presence of toxins, there is always the risk that toxins could be produced. These toxins may stay in the water for up to three weeks after the algae bloom is gone. Even when a bloom has disappeared, toxins can persist in water bodies for a long time. The Health Unit and the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change cannot confirm when the water is safe to use for private water systems.
