Water samples taken on July 15 from the northwest bay of Lake Nipissing in Lavigne have come back positive for blue-green algae.
That advisory from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks and the North Bay & Parry Sound District Health Unit.
“The samples contained a species of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins,” states a release.
Officials say residents and visitors in the area may be affected depending on how close they are to the algae bloom, wind direction, water flow, and other environmental conditions.
Users are advised to exercise their judgment before using the water and take precautions if they live near where a bloom was detected or is visible.
Those include:
- Do 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.
- Exercise caution with respect to eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur.
- If skin contact does occur, wash with soap and clean water.
