Water Quality
Blue-Green Algae Bloom Update – June 13, 2024
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) issued a water quality advisory for the West Shoreline of Hammell’s Bay on June 10, 2024. Here are the latest updates based on the June 4th, 2024 sample results.
Location: Northwest Shoreline of Hammell’s Bay
Key Information:
- No Serious Toxicity Detected: The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) found no serious levels of toxins. The bloom was only found on the northwest shore of Hammell’s Bay.
- Safety Precautions: It is recommended not to drink or enter the water if you see blue-green algae. Keep dogs away from these areas as well.
Detailed Sampling Results (June 4th):
- Microcystins Levels (toxin): The total microcystins measured were 0.3 µg/L. This result is below the drinking water standard of 1.5 µg/L and the recreational use water standard of 10 µg/L outlined by Health Canada.
- Algal Cells Detected: Even though the visible bloom was gone, significant algal cells were still present in the sample. The potential for toxicity can increase as algae die off; the SMDHU issued a warning based on the concentration of algae.
There is still a warning for an active Blue-Green Algae Bloom in Hammell’s Bay. MECP will conduct further testing to monitor it.
We will continue to provide updates as we receive them to keep the community informed.
If you wish to read more on Blue-Green Algae, please reference the following links:
- Province of Ontario: https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae
- Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit: SMDHU Blue-Green Algae
- Health Canada: Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality: Guideline Technical Document – Cyanobacterial Toxins.
- Health Canada: Guidelines for Canadian Recreational Water Quality – Cyanobacteria and their Toxins
TMLA Board of Directors
Water Quality
Algae Bloom Confirmed by MECP in Hammell’s Bay – June 10, 2024
On June 3rd, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) collected water samples from Hammell’s Bay on the west shoreline near Sandlewood Road. On June 10th, 2024, MECP confirmed a blue-green algae bloom in the sampled water.
Limited information is currently available, but we are actively monitoring the situation and will provide updates as soon as we receive more.
For more information on Blue-Green Algae please visit the provincial website here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae
Water Quality
Three Mile Lake Algae Bloom Update – Entire Water Body Affected – September 20, 2023
We wish to inform the public that the blue-green algae bloom in Three Mile Lake has expanded, now impacting the entirety of the water body. This information is based on recent reports from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
The Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) in collaboration with MECP is actively monitoring the situation. As updates emerge, we will ensure they are promptly shared with the community.
For a comprehensive understanding of blue-green algae and its implications, we invite you to explore our dedicated page at Simcoe Muskoka Health Unit.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We are committed to keeping our community informed.
Water Quality
Blue-Green Algae Bloom Confirmed North-West Three Mile Lake in the Sandwood Road Area – August 21, 2023
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) has confirmed a blue-green algae bloom in Three Mile Lake, specifically in its Northwest region near Sandwood Road.
Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, can produce toxins detrimental to human and animal health in high concentrations. With the confirmation of this bloom, residents and visitors are urged to be cautious, as harmful toxins might also be present in the water.
For safety, the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU) recommends the following precautions for residents and businesses:
▪ Avoid using water from private supplies affected by the lake where the algae has been detected, especially for preparing infant formula.
▪ Keep pets and livestock away from water where visible algae blooms are present, both for drinking and swimming.
▪ Be cautious when consuming fish caught in waters with visible cyanobacterial blooms due to potential toxin contamination.
▪ Refrain from using herbicides, copper sulphate, or other algaecides, as they could rupture algae cells, releasing more toxins.
▪ Stay clear of water sport activities in areas with visible algae blooms.
The health unit, in collaboration with the MECP, will continuously monitor the situation. For updates, please check the SMDHU website: www.smdhu.org/algae.
For more details, reach out to Health Connection from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1-877-721-7520. Additional resources and updates on blue-green algae can be found at www.simcoemuskokahealth.org.
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/