TOXIN INVESTIGATION

Water advisory remains in place for Grand Lake

People are still being told to steer clear of water from Grand Lake as the Nova Scotia Environment Department tries to confirm what toxin is in the water.

On Friday, Julie Towers, deputy minister of the Environment Department, said blue-green algae is the leading suspect as the toxin in the lake.

An emergency alert went out early Thursday morning warning people to avoid any contact with water from Shubenacadie Grand Lake after a woman was sent to hospital and her dog and puppy died.

Towers said first responders took a photo of an algal bloom in the area on Wednesday evening.

"It has that quite vibrant colour to it, which suggests it was blue-green algae," she said.

Towers also said the veterinarian who treated the two dogs also reported findings consistent with blue-green algae.

However, rapid tests for blue-green algae came back negative and an aerial survey didn't pick up "anything obvious."

"Regardless of whether it was a bloom at the time, and we can't confirm that, the advisory needs to be in place right now," Towers said, adding more samples were taken Friday and will be tested for pesticides, organic and inorganic materials, as well as petroleum hydrocarbons.

Towers encouraged people to familiarize themselves with what blue-green algae looks like.

"As you know, algae, like any plant, responds to warmth. We're getting warmer, climate change, we're seeing effects," she said. "I would suspect we're going to have more blooms in more sites so I think it's important to inform themselves of potential effects."

For now, the water advisory for Grand Lake remains in place.

People "should not use their well water for drinking, bathing or cooking until further notice. People should not boat or swim in the lake, and pets should not be allowed to swim in or drink the water," the advisory says.

Both Halifax Water and the East Hants Municipality say there is no current risk to their customers. However, anyone within 60 metres of the lake who has a well less than 30 metres deep is to avoid using their water until more information is gathered.

The unfolding situation in Grand Lake has also caused the Department of Fisheries and Oceans to close all commercial, recreational and food, social and ceremonial harvesting in Grand Lake watershed, including the full length of the Shubenacadie River.

In the meantime, the Municipality of East Hants is offering water to residents who can't use their own water due to the ongoing advisory.

Water will be provided for free at the East Hants Aquatic Centre from 1-8 p.m. on Friday, 8 a.m. to noon and 5-8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

People must bring their own containers to fill with water and follow public health protocols, including wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing.

"The water is sourced from our water utility which remains safe to drink for all municipal water users," the Municipality of East Hants said in a news release.

"We understand this is a concerning time for residents whose direct water source is Grand Lake and will have more information on continued water access if needed."