News Release - 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.

Because of the harmful algae bloom, follow these safety measures:

• Do not use the water to drink if you’re a private homeowners who draws lake water near the affected area. It is safe to drink municipal water. The Callander municipal drinking water plant is equipped to remove harmful algae bloom toxins.
• Do not use untreated lake water for cooking, bathing, brushing teeth, and water sports. Note: Using a private water system or boiling the water will NOT destroy the toxins.
• Do not swim 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 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.
• The harmful algae may float or sink to the bottom of the lake and you may not see it.
• 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 Health Unit and the District Office of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks cannot confirm when the water is safe to use.

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Media Inquiries Only
Jolinne Kearns, Public Relations Specialist
P: 705-474-1400, ext. 5221 or 1-800-563-2808
E: Communications@healthunit.ca