Possible Blue-Green Algae Bloom Event on Little Kennisis – UPDATE

Possible Blue-Green Algae Bloom Event on                  Little Kennisis – UPDATE

November 13 – Update Re: Possible Blue-Green Algae Event on Little Kennisis Lake

The location of the small blue-green algae event (Nov. 8, 2020) was roughly half way along the North Shore of Little Kennisis.  A site visit by the KLCOA (Nov. 10, 2020) confirmed that the algal bloom was on the surface and accumulated on the shore due to very gentle water flow and a light breeze.  It appeared to be from a broader area of the lake (not a local condition) and accumulated on the shore due to the local shoreline topography and the weather conditions on the day that it was observed. 

There have been no new sightings of possible blue-green algae blooms on Little or Big Kennisis Lakes.  The original event dissipated with wind before the MOECP (Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks) could arrive to test it (Nov. 12, 2020). 

An expert from the MOECP has indicated that it does appear to be a blue-green algae bloom after reviewing photographic evidence, details of the bloom location and weather conditions on the day of the sighting. 

The testing for blue-green algae is very specific and must be done directly from a potential bloom by the MOECP to be declared positive.  Therefore, it is unlikely that we will have any conclusive  sample analysis confirming the bloom on Little Kennisis.

The water quality testing that the KLCOA does on a regular basis cannot specifically test for blue-green algae and we have been informed by the MOECP that it is not something that we can take on.

There are a number of different types of blue-green algae blooms, some toxic and some not.  Unfortunately, without testing, it is not possible to determine what type a bloom is.  The MOECP advises to err on the side of caution when a potential bloom is present.  Follow the guidelines as laid out  here and here .

The KLCOA is encouraging people to check their shorelines if they are at their properties and report any possible sightings as follows:

  1. Take pictures of the possible bloom and surrounding shoreline.  Note the date, time and weather conditions (wind intensity and direction, wave action).
  •  Report the possible bloom to the MOECP
  • Notify MOECP Peterborough office directly – Chris Johnston | Senior Environmental Officer | 705-927-7809 | chris.johnston@ontario.ca

Or the general tip line at 1-866-663-8477

The KLCOA is in close contact with the MOECP and will continue to update you as new information becomes available.  Here is an additional information sheet put out by the MOECP. 

The KLCOA has also reported to Dysart et al and the Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit.

The KLCOA has been working with our community to control nutrient loading in our lakes by advocating for natural healthy shorelines and proper septic inspection and maintenance. With this blue-green algae event, and the others in Haliburton County, this focus will become even more critical.


November 11:

A possible small blue-green algae bloom has been reported on Little Kennisis Lake as well as three other lakes in the Haliburton County during the weekend of November 7th and 8th.

An expert from the MOECP has indicated that it does appear to be a blue-green algae bloom after reviewing photographic evidence, details of the bloom location and weather conditions on the day of the sighting (see the image below).  The KLCOA has visually confirmed the algae bloom and requested that the MOECP perform  water sampling and testing on Little Kennisis although that can only be done if there is another actual sighting of the algae as the one reported has dissipated in the wind.

When a blue-green algae event has been identified, the MOECP recommends if you are at the affected lake, that you survey your shoreline for evidence of blue-green algae.  If you see anything near your property that resembles blue-green algae you should follow the guidelines as laid out in the following two documents.

We will continue to keep you informed as we receive more information

https://www.cohpoa.org/lake-health-3/algae-and-algal-blooms/ https://www.ontario.ca/page/blue-green-algae