Good afternoon,
The North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit was notified on August 22nd 2022, by the local office of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks North Bay, that samples from Deer Lake in Lount Township tested positive for Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae). Please find general information attached to this e-mail, and disseminate it to your members. Information on blue-green algae can also be downloaded from Blue-green algae | ontario.ca.
It is important to note that in addition to the nuisance (fouling) and aesthetic (smell) problems caused by blue-green algal blooms, several species of cyanobacteria have the ability to create toxins. Although the results are insignificant, we recommend you monitor the water. Should you observe worsening conditions, take all the necessary precautions indicated in the attachment.
The Health Unit advised residents that cyanobacteria were previously confirmed in Deer Lake in 2018, and is reiterating the same advice. As blooms will reoccur in the future, residents should proactively find secure sources of their water to consume.
If you have any questions, please contact a public health inspector at 705-474-1400 ext. 5400.
Kind regards,
Environmental Health Department
North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit | 345 Oak Street West | North Bay, Ontario P1B 2T2 | Canada
705-474-1400 ext. 5400 | 1-800-563-2808