Cyanobacterias
Year 2010 - Notices concerning the presence of cyanobacterias
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Colette
LAC COLETTE - August 20 2010
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Colette on August 20 2010.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Caron
Public health advisory (sorry, available in french only)
LAC CARON - August 9 2010
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on June 17 2010.
This situation is classified as being in category C.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Avoid swimming. The nautical activities such as the use of pedal boats, kayak or canoe must be practised with caution by avoiding zones presenting some green foam. Do not let animals have access to this water, especially in zones with foams.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Guindon
LAC GUINDON - July 30 2010
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Guindon on July 30 2010.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Caron
LAC CARON - JUNE 17 2010
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on June 17 2010.
This situation is classified as being in category C.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Avoid swimming. The nautical activities such as the use of pedal boats, kayak or canoe must be practised with caution by avoiding zones presenting some green foam. Do not let animals have access to this water, especially in zones with foams.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac St-Amour
LAC ST-AMOUR - May 26 2010
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac St-Amour on May 26 2010.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Year 2009 - Notices concerning the presence of cyanobacterias
Notice regarding the end of restrictions for Lac Caron
END OF RESTRICTIONS - LAC CARON - DECEMBER 2 2009
The Laurentians Public Health and Social Services Agency does not consider that restrictions should be maintained for Lac Caron. One must nevertheless be vigilant if there is evidence of blue-green algae (blooms) or frothy foam and we urge shoreline residents to avoid, in as much as possible, contact with this algae or foam.
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Caron
LAC CARON - DECEMBER 2 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on December 2 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Caron
LAC CARON - NOVEMBER 11 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on November 11 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category C.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Avoid swimming. The nautical activities such as the use of pedal boats, kayak or canoe must be practised with caution by avoiding zones presenting some green foam. Do not let animals have access to this water, especially in zones with foams.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Caron
LAC CARON - OCTOBER 26 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on October 26th 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category C.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Avoid swimming. The nautical activities such as the use of pedal boats, kayak or canoe must be practised with caution by avoiding zones presenting some green foam. Do not let animals have access to this water, especially in zones with foams.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Caron
LAC CARON - SEPTEMBER 18 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on September 18th 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category C.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Avoid swimming. The nautical activities such as the use of pedal boats, kayak or canoe must be practised with caution by avoiding zones presenting some green foam. Do not let animals have access to this water, especially in zones with foams.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Parent
LAC PARENT - SEPTEMBER 21 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac St-Amour on September 21st 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category A.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in St-Amour
LAC ST-AMOUR - SEPTEMBER 18 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac St-Amour on September 18th 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Colette
LAC COLETTE - SEPTEMBER 15 2009
The presence of chlorophytes (green algae) has been observed and analyzed in Lac Colette on September 15th 2009. This situation does not required an intervention from the public health. General recommandations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Johanne
LAC JOHANNE - SEPTEMBER 15 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Johanne on September 15th 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Notice regarding cyanobacterias in lac Suzanne
LAC SUZANNE - SEPTEMBER 15 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Suzanne on September 15th 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Avis Lac Caron
LAC CARON - SEPTEMBER 4TH 2009
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on August 28th 2009.
This situation is classified as being in category C.
Avoid swimming. The nautical activities such as the use of pedal boats, kayak or canoe must be practised with caution by avoiding zones presenting some green foam. Do not let animals have access to this water, especially in zones with foams.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Limitations notice - Lac Caron - September 4th 2009
THIS SITUATION DOES REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- General recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
Year 2008 - Notices concerning the presence of cyanobacterias
Avis Lac Des Seigneurs
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Des Seigneurs on October 7th 2008.
This situation is classified as being in category A.
THIS SITUATION DO NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- However, general recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Guindon on August 4th 2008.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DO NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- However, general recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Colette on July 24th 2008.
This situation is classified as being in category A.
THIS SITUATION DO NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- However, general recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac St-Amour on June 3rd 2008.
This situation is classified as being in category B.
THIS SITUATION DO NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- However, general recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Canard on June 30 2008.
THIS SITUATION DO NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- However, general recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
The presence of cyanobacteria has been observed and analyzed in Lac Caron on June 25th 2008.
This situation is classified as being in category A.
THIS SITUATION DO NOT REQUIRE AN INTERVENTION FROM THE PUBLIC HEALTH
- However, general recommendations in presence of a bloom floating on the surface of the water apply at all time.
Stay informed at www.msss.gouv.qc.ca
End of restrictions regarding lac Caron, lac Colette, lac Guidon
The Laurentians Public Health and Social Services Agency does not consider that restrictions should be maintained for Lac Caron, Lac Colette and Lac Guidon. One must nevertheless be vigilant if there is evidence of blue-green algae (blooms) or frothy foam and we urge shoreline residents to avoid, in as much as possible, contact with this algae or foam.
Blue-green algae: "Better safe than sorry!"
A state of shock exists in several regions of
What seemed to happen only to others, far away from our own home, is now knocking at our door; on September 7, 2006, the Lanaudière Health & Social Services Agency issued a decree prohibiting shoreline residents of Lac Blanc and Lac Archambault in Saint-Donat from having any contact with lake waters as these lakes were contaminated by Cyanophyceae, commonly called blue-green algae, bacteria that manifest themselves though water flowers (algal bloom) and frothy foam. A short while later, Beaulac in
In
What is a cyanobacterium?
A bacterium whose cells do not have an organized nucleus, although it presents some of the characteristics of algae and aquatic plants; it contains chlorophyll and draws energy from sunlight. This micro-organism occurs naturally in our lakes and can be found in algae communities in our watercourses, algae that are at the base of the food chain. When their population drastically increases, they form what is called water flowers, or froth, visible to the naked eye. They give lake waters the appearance of broccoli soup or pea puree, and can be mistaken for a spill of blue-green paint.
Where do these bacteria come from?
As they were present on the planet more than 2.5 million years ago, they are part of the oldest micro-organisms on Earth. This phenomenon is not specific to our region, or even to our country; in 2001, several magnificent beaches in Northern Europe were closed; over time, sheep and dogs in
These cyanobacteria multiply once their living environment reaches unbearable levels of pollution and toxicity. In fact, it’s as if a watercourse says: "I have enough of all your junk (in all its forms)!" They exhibit an excellent resistance to adverse conditions: they have sufficient nutrients to increase their population by a factor of 2 or 3; they float very well, so they have easy access to light and nourishment; they need less light than algae to grow and they survive at high levels of ultraviolet light.
What is the cause?
Several factors influence the apparition of water flowers: warm, calm, shallow water, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Of these, sources of phosphorus are one of the variables that can be controlled quite easily. The main sources of phosphorus are often tied to human activities:
- Effluents from septic installations (natural or artificial)
- The use of fertilizers
- Deforestation of buffer strips (naked shoreline, grass, rock fills)
- Fish-farming and agriculture.
Why bother, and what is their effect on human health?
As such, Cyanobacteria are not toxic. It is only when they start to acquire an important density and suddenly start to bloom, for reasons still unknown to experts, that a risk to human and animal health exists. When they die, blue-green algae release toxins that are harmful to humans and animals if contact is established with contaminated water. A direct contact with contaminated water causes skin, eyes and nose irritations, along with a sore throat. If ingested, contaminated water will cause stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, fainting spells, headaches, fever and probably damage the liver and the central nervous system.
What should I do if I see a Cyanobacteria water flower?
Contact Mrs. Isabelle Dorion immediately at the "Ministère du Développement durable, de l’Environnement et des Parcs" at (450) 433-2220, ext. 280.
If the presence of Cyanobacteria is confirmed and a danger to human health exists, a Public Health Notice will be issued by the Ministry advising citizens about the emergency measures that are now in effect. A sampling will be taken two (2) weeks after the last visual observation of a water flower or three (3) weeks if froth was also detected. The return to normalcy could be a long process.
What are the consequences of the presence of blue-green algae?
First and foremost, health problems:
All direct contact with water should be avoided (shower, swimming, pool, cooking, etc.). Fish and aquatic plants should not be eaten, avoid drinking contaminated water, do not use it for cooking or for making ice cubes, or for watering your lawn or garden, and prevent your pets from coming in direct contact with the water.
BOILING CONTAMINATED WATER DOES NOT ELIMINATE HARMFUL TOXINS!
Do not dump algicide in the water, you’ll only aggravate the problem.
Any human activity (boating, swimming, drawing water, etc.) is strictly prohibited on a contaminated lake and this, for an indeterminate period, which could have an important impact on the local economy, not only for the immediate, but also in the long-term as the reputation and the quality of the body of water will remain in doubt.
Better to prevent then to cure!
Or, as we say in the title, "Better Safe Than Sorry!" As we said in the beginning, blue-green algae are mainly the result of human activity and, to boot, there is absolutely no way that we can get rid of them rapidly. Nature must take its course and "digest" the toxins that have accumulated.
There is only one solution and that is to nip the infestation in the bud. How?
If you are an abutting owner, whether of a lake, a river or a stream:
Never use fertilizers as they are rich in phosphorus. Furthermore, they are prohibited under Municipal Bylaw, along with pesticides that also damage the environment.
Reduce the surface of your grassy areas; grass has shallow roots that cannot filter toxins before they reach the body of water; furthermore, grass cannot prevent erosion.
Ensure that your septic installations are in concordance with municipal standards and function properly: any smell, discharge or backflow must be reported without delay to the municipal office. Have your septic tanks emptied on time (every two (2) years for permanent residents and every four (4) years for vacationers).
Ensure that the shoreline regains its natural aspect, which will re-establish natural conditions for the body of water.
How do we reinstate natural conditions along the shoreline?
Planting shore shrubs with large root balls will prevent sunlight from reaching shallow waters, preventing water from warming up and reducing the erosion of your lot while facilitating the absorption of nutrients before they reach the water. Plant indigenous species along the shoreline (whether lake or river) and stop cutting vegetation in the first ten (10) metres (
As citizens, we each have the power to protect our bodies of water. It’s a question of willpower, of concrete actions and, finally, of public spirit and respect towards our neighbours who share this water with us. It’s also a question of economics: if our lakes become contaminated, our rating as a holiday resort and tourist destination will suffer and, by the same token, so will the value of all our properties. Our houses may be our heritage, but so is the quality of our environment.
Think about it!
Note: Information regarding the revitalization of shorelines is available at the municipal office, from your
©2007 Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs | Tous droits réservés