A blue-green algae bloom has been detected in Shebeshekong Lake. The North Bay Parry Sound District Heat Unit has confirmed the bloom in the Carling lake. Residents and visitors near the bloom are warned to not use water from the lake for drinking, cooking, or bathing and that boiling the water or using a home water treatment device does not destroy the toxins. Also, avoid swimming or other water sport activities that could increase the risk of algae material and toxins contacting your skin or being swallowed and do not allow pets or livestock to swim in or drink the water.
The Health Unit cannot determine the extent of the affected area as it depends on the characteristics of the site such as prevailing wind and water flow directions, but do say the drinking water at Shebeshekong Resort is not currently affected as the blue-green algae bloom is located downstream. Drinking water served at Hidden Bay Leadership Camp, Bel-Air Cottages and Shebe Resort comes from drilled wells and is not affected by blue-green algae blooms.
If you have questions or want to learn more about blue-green algae, visit www.myhealthunit.ca or call the Health Unit office.