News release

Lake Ainslie Algae Test Results

Environment (April 2008 - Feb. 2021)
Health Promotion and Protection (March 2006 - Jan. 2011)

Test results on water in Lake Ainslie, Inverness Co., show the presence of blue-green algae, but no toxins.

Although no toxins were found in this water test, people are encouraged to never use lake and river water for drinking, cooking, or brushing teeth unless properly treated and disinfected.

Swimming and other recreational activities in water containing algae are not advised. Pets and cattle should also be kept out of the water as even non-toxic algae can be an irritant.

The Department of Environment continues to investigate an algae bloom found in Southwest Margaree River and the Margaree River, which flow from Lake Ainslie. Tests of the lake water will continue over the next few weeks.

The department issued public advisories about the presence of an algae bloom in the lake as a precautionary step to ensure public health was protected.

Algae blooms occur naturally in water that is high in nutrients such as phosphate and nitrate. The cause of the bloom is not known.

For more information, read the fact sheet on the Department of Environment website at www.gov.ns.ca/nse/water/docs/BlueGreenAlgae.pdf or call the local Department of Environment office at 902-625-0791.