The Ministry of the Environment (MOE) has advised Renfrew County and District Health Unit that test results of a water sample taken at the Cobden Beach, is positive for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria).

"When blue-green algae blooms are visible, there is a risk that the algae could produce toxins; therefore, using or drinking the water should be avoided," says Dr. Michael Corriveau Medical Officer of Health, Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

"People do not usually drink water contaminated with blue-green algae blooms because of its unsightly pea soup appearance and foul smell," says Dr. Corriveau.

Toxins can irritate the skin and, if ingested, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. At high enough levels, toxins may cause liver and nervous system damage.

Renfrew County and District Health Unit advises people using lakes and rivers to be on the lookout for algae blooms. If blooms are visible:

• Avoid using the water for drinking, bathing, or showering and do not allow children, pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water.

• Residents should not boil the water because boiling the water may release more toxins into the water.

• Residents should avoid cooking with the water because food may absorb toxins from the water during cooking.

• Residents should exercise caution with respect to eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur. Residents should not eat the liver, kidneys, and other organs of fish caught in the water.

• Do not treat the water with a disinfectant like bleach. This may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.

• Residents should not rely on water jug filtration systems as they do not protect against the toxins.

On lakes and rivers where blue-green algae blooms are confirmed, people who use the surface water for their private drinking water supply should consider an alternate, protected source of water.

The Ministry of the Environment and Renfrew County and District Health Unit will continue to monitor the water conditions in Muskrat Lake.

For more information, call Renfrew County and District Health Unit at 613-735-8654 Ext. 555

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Local Beach Information

During the summer months, our Public Health Inspectors monitor public beaches in Renfrew County and District for bacteria.  Beaches are posted with warnings of possible health risks when elevated levels of Escherichia coli (E.coli) are present.  The recreational water quality guideline of 100 E.coli per 100 ml of water is set jointly by the provincial ministries of Environment and Health.  Escherichia coli are bacteria present in the droppings of virtually all warm-blooded animals and are the indicator bacteria for fecal contamination of surface waters.

Once a beach has been posted for elevated E.coli levels, more frequent water samples are taken by the Health Unit.  Beaches are usually re-opened after E.coli levels decrease to acceptable levels.

Swimming in water contaminated with high levels of E.coli bacteria may increase your risk of developing a variety of irritations and infections.  Most common are minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and stomach disorders.

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