Water Quality
Additional Results from August 29th and September 2nd Water Samples – September 27, 2022
Three Mile Lake Community.
On Thursday, September 22 we received information concerning the blue-green algae bloom affecting Three Mile Lake from the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP). The communication reported toxin levels from the samples taken on August 29th and September 2nd.
Some brief background information regarding cyanobacteria and cyanotoxins.
- Blue-Green Algae is more correctly known as cyanobacteria
- Some cyanobacteria can produce various cyanotoxins (toxins).
- The cyanobacteria in Three Mile Lake produce microcystins and anatoxin. Microcystins are of greater concern.
- The release of toxins in an algal bloom into the surrounding water occurs mostly during cell death and lysis (i.e. cell rupture)
- Every governing body provides guidance with regard to microcystin exposure.
- Health Canada’s guidance:
- Total microcystins:
- Drinking water: less than or equal to 1.5 micrograms per Litre (µg/L)
- Recreational Use: less than or equal to 10 µg/L
- Total microcystins:
The following toxin results were sent from MECP via email. The toxin levels reported below are from the samples taken on August 29th and September 2nd. As noted above, keep in mind toxin levels change as the bloom deteriorates and cyanobacteria die off. These are point-in-time results.
The following are the results we received from our labs in regard to Three Mile Lake samples.
Location 1: Cowan Rd. – West Basin
Results:
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- Total Microcystins – 0.12 micrograms per Litre (µg/L)
- Total Anatoxin-A – below the detectible limit of 0.20 micrograms per Litre (µg/L)
- Algal ID- Yes to a Cyano bloom – Algae condition was very deteriorated.
- The most abundant algae in the bloom included blue-green algae; also known as cyanobacteria, which has the potential to produce toxins.
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Location 2: Hammell’s Bay Three Mile Lake
Results:
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- Total Microcystins – below the detectable limit
- Total Anatoxin-A – below the detectable limit
- Algal ID – Yes to a Cyano Bloom – Algae condition was in deterioration
- The most abundant algae in the bloom included blue-green algae; also known as cyanobacteria, which has the potential to produce toxins.
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Location 3: Carlo Enterprise Road Three Mile Lake – East Basin
Results:
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- Total Microcystins – 0.13 µg/L
- Total Anatoxin-A – Below the detectable limit
- Algal ID – Yes to a Cyano Bloom – Algae condition was in deterioration
- The most abundant algae in the bloom included blue-green algae; also known as cyanobacteria, which has the potential to produce toxins.
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Barrie District
Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
It is important to note lakes are dynamic ever-changing environments and toxins are released after cyanobacteria die and decay. These results will change over the course of the bloom. Please continue to use common sense when using the lake. We anticipate further testing by the MECP over the next few weeks. We will communicate information as we receive it.
The following are links to Cyanobacteria publications for your reference.
Cyanobacterial Toxins in Drinking Water Health Canada
Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality – Cyanobacteria and their Toxins Health Canada
Blue-green Algae Government of Ontario
Learn about Cyanobacteria and Cyanotoxins United States Environmental Protection Agency
TMLA Board
Water Quality
Blue-Green Algae Bloom Updated to include Hammell’s Bay – September 2, 2022
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents and visitors to the Township of Muskoka Lakes that laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom impacting Hammell’s Bay, Three Mile Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes. As a result, the blue-green algae notice issued August 29, 2022 for the Carlo Enterprise Road and Cowan Park Road, Utterson is being expanded to include all of Three Mile Lake and Hammell’s Bay, Township of Muskoka Lakes.
Many species of blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) have the potential to produce toxins that are harmful to the health of humans and animals when exposed in large amounts. Due to the confirmed presence of the bloom, we are asking residents and visitors to exercise caution and recognize that toxins may also be present.
As a precautionary measure, the SMDHU urges residents and businesses to avoid drawing or drinking water from private water supplies that are impacted by the lake where blue-green algae has been identified and to take the following precautions:
- Do not use a private water supply that is impacted or draws water from this area of the lake for the preparation of infant formula.
- Do not allow pets or livestock to drink or swim in the water where an algae bloom is visible.
- Fish taken from waters with cyanobacterial blooms have the potential to contain toxins. Exercisecaution when eating fish caught in water where blue-green algae blooms occur.
- Do not use herbicides, copper sulphate or other algaecides that may break open algae cells and release toxins into the water.
- Avoid water sport activities where an algae bloom is visible.
I strongly recommend seeking medical attention if symptoms such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions or breathing difficulties occur following contact with the blue-green algae bloom. Anyone who comes into contact with blue-green algae should wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water. Swimming, bathing or showering with water not visibly affected by a blue- green algae bloom is not expected to cause health effects.
The health unit and the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks will continue to work together to monitor the algal bloom and updates will be provided on our website www.smdhu.org/algae.
For further information, call Health Connection Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-721- 7520. Links to general information and updates about blue-green algae are available on the health unit website at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
Sincerely,
Charles Gardner, MD, CCFP, MHSc, FRCPC Medical Officer of Health
Water Quality
Blue-Green Algae Notice – August 29, 2022
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) is informing residents and visitors to the Township of Muskoka Lakes that laboratory analysis has confirmed the presence of a blue-green algae bloom impacting two locations on Three Mile Lake in the area of Carlo Enterprise Road and Cowan Park Road, Utterson, Township of Muskoka Lakes.
The full notice is found here: Blue-Green Algae Public Notice August 29, 2022
Water Quality
Potential Algae Bloom – August 20, 2022
To the Three Mile Lake Community.
This is to inform the Three Mile Lake community of “potential” Blue-Green Algae (Cyanobacteria) blooming in the main basin of Three Mile Lake. Please use common sense with regards to the lake water.
A report of a potential bloom was submitted Friday, August 19th with the Spill Action Centre of the Ministry of Environment. A representative has confirmed sampling to be taken from the lake on Monday, August 22nd.
We will keep the community updated with any information we receive concerning this potential bloom.
TMLA Board of Directors
Water Quality
Blue-Green Algae Public Notice Lifted | January 27, 2022
2022-01-27
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) would like to inform residents and visitors to the Township of Muskoka Lakes that additional laboratory analysis confirm the blue-green algae bloom impacting Hammel’s Bay and the south shoreline of Three Mile Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes has dissipated. Please be advised that the public health notices regarding precautions for blue-green algae issued on August 19, 2021 and October 6, 2021 by the SMDHU for Three Mile Lake, Township of Muskoka Lakes has been lifted.
Water Quality
Causation Study
If you were unable to attend the first public meeting of the Three Mile Lake Causation Study, a 32 minute video recording of the meeting is now available online . We also encourage you to respond to the short survey to provide your input on water quality on our lake. Click on the link below to access both.
https://www.engagemuskoka.ca/
Water Quality
Update – Three Mile Lake Causation Study
A consultant has been selected to conduct the causation study. Read More
Water Quality
New – Blue Green Algae Bloom Update
Good News!
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) has lifted the Blue Green Algae warning, that was issued on August 13th, for the eastern end of the main basin.
Water Quality
Update on the Algae Bloom
Update on the results of the September 16th water samples. Today, (Sept. 24, 2020) the South Muskoka District Health Unit advised us that the results of the water samples indicated that the algae blooms in the western part of our lake, as well as at the entry to Hamell’s Bay, have dissipated and the health warning has been lifted. However, the health warning still applies to the eastern end of the main basin. Please remain cautious when using the lake water.
Water Quality
Update On Our Three Mile Lake Water Sample Results
September 15, 2020
BACKGROUND
On August 10, 2020 the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) took water samples on the eastern end of the main basin of Three Mile to determine the presence of a blue-green algae bloom. This presence was confirmed by the South Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) on August 13,2020 and a warning was sent by Email to all of our members, along with posting this notice on both our website and Facebook page. On August 18, 2020 the MECP took additional water samples at the west end of our main basin and at the entry into Hamell’s Bay. Once again these water samples confirmed the presence of an algae bloom, and we notified our members and the general public on August 27, 2020 of these additional findings. Both sets of samples were sent to the MECP laboratory on August 27, 2020 to conduct toxicity tests.
On September 14, 2020 I was advised by the MECP that these toxicity tests came back negative “results below detection level” which means that there were less than .2 micrograms per litre. As a reference, the safe drinking level is less than 1.5 micrograms/litre, while recreational use has a level of 20 micrograms/litre. That was the good news! These results were forwarded to the SMDHU for their review.
NEW DEVELOPMENTS
Today the SMDHU advised me that they were going to request new water samples.These samples will be taken on September 16, 2020, at all of the original sites. The reason for the need for new samples is that when blue-green algae “dies off”, it releases toxins, which is a natural process. The SMDHU is concerned about this and has required new water samples to be taken, to be on the safe side. We are also concerned, as the health of our members, their families and their pets is OUR primary concern.
WHAT’S NEXT?
We will wait for the preliminary results to see if there is still a presence of blue-green algae, which I think is likely due to the greenness of the water. The results of these tests should be available within 4-5 days. We will of course communicate these results to you. If the samples require additional toxicity testing, as we have seen, this could take up to another month. In the interim, the health warnings remain in force and we certainly recommend that everyone use their common sense when swimming or if drinking the lake water or using it for household chores. Please be safe!
I realize that everyone has been frustrated with this whole process. Certainty we as your Board Of Directors have been! We are in discussions with both the SMDHU and MECP to try and find ways to streamline these processes and speed up the timelines. We will provide updates as soon as we receive them.
John Roberts
President-Three Mile Lake Association
