THUNDER BAY — A blue-green algae bloom was recently confirmed at Lake Shebandowan.
The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks identified the potentially toxic algae in a water sample taken on Upper Shebandowan Lake on Oct. 11.
The Thunder Bay District Health Unit cautions that water should be avoided whenever a bloom is present, and for about two weeks after it has dissipated.
Water should not be consumed or used for household purposes, and should not be considered safe for swimming or safe for pets.
This is the eighth lake in the Thunder Bay district in which blue-green algae has been confirmed since the end of June.
TBDHU has stated that blooms historically were uncommon in this part of Ontario, but a changing climate and rising water temperatures may make them more prevalent in the coming years.
