Advisory to remain in place for Grand Lake over the weekend

Investigations into a suspected blue-green algae bloom in Grand Lake are continuing and an advisory remains in effect untilthe source of contamination is identified, says Nova Scotia'sdeputy minister of the environment.

JulieTowersspoketo reporters in Halifax on Friday afternoon.

The investigation beganafter a person went to hospital and two dogs diedWednesday.

An alert was issued early Thursday morning warning all residents who take water directly from Grand Laketo stop using the water immediately.

Residents nearGrand Lakewho don't receive water from a municipal utility are advised not to consume their water,or use it for cooking, bathing, swimming or boating, until told otherwise.

Rapid testing negative for blue-green algae

The department said theadvisory includes anyonewho has ashallow drilled or dug wellthat is less than 30 metres deep and is within 60 metres of the lake.

Towers said staff of the Environment Department have completed some rapid testing that came back negative for blue-green algae.

She noted that the results were not surprising given that itis"tricky to detect" as a result of the changing weather conditions at the lake over the past few days.

Towers said a photograph taken by first responders showed the vibrant colour that is characteristic of blue-green algae blooms. Other parts of the lake are being tested.

"Until we get the results, we want people to be cautious. So the advisory'sin place. No contact with the water, please," Towers said.

The deputy minister said test results for pesticides and other chemical contamination could return by Monday or Tuesday.

She said she was working with the affected municipalities to ensure residents of the area do not use water from Grand Lake.

Towers cautioned residents within-home water treatments that those systems cannot treat for things like the toxins associated with blue-green algae.

She said with climate change creating warmer conditions, it is likely that Nova Scotia will have "more blooms in more sites" in the future.

Tap wateris safe in Halifax, East Hants

Halifax Water and the East Hants Regional Municipality both confirmed Thursday morning that their water systems are not affected by this advisory after the emergencyalert caused some confusion for customers.

In a statement, Halifax Waterclarified that its tap water remains safe as it doesn't draw from Grand Lake.

"There's noeffect on Halifax Water customers at all ... their tap water is perfectly safe to drink," said James Campbell, the spokesperson for Halifax Water.

Theutility does operatethree water systems within the same watershed as Grand Lake, including Bomont, Collins Park and Bennery Lake, but none of those systems draw waterfrom Grand Lake.

TheEast Hants Regional Municipalityalso released a statement sayingthere is no known risk to its utility customers, although it does rely on the Grand Lake watershed.

"We know it's just generalized in Grand Lake right now so it's immediate users of the lake itself that need to be following extra due diligence right now," JesseHulsmanwith the Municipality of East Hantstold CBC Radio'sInformation Morning on Thursday.

On Thursday evening, the municipality announced it would provide free drinking water to residents who can't use their water because of the advisory.

Residents must bring their own containers and follow public health protocols, including wearing a mask and practising physical distancing. The water is being distributed atthe East Hants Aquatic Centreon Friday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday and Sundaybetween 8 a.m. andnoonand 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Residents are expected to bring their own water receptacles.

Shower facilities for residents will also be available at the aquatic centre on a first-come-first-served basis starting Friday evening at the same times as water distribution.