In the wake of another ‘do not use’ water advisory from the Bruce Grey Health Unit for Lake Rosalind, Brockton Mayor Charlie Bagnato said the province has to take action on blue green algae found in lakes across the province.
Last Friday the health unit issued the advisory – the second one this year. The mayor said he, utilities manager Colin Saunders, and Viola water manager John Graham photocopied about 270 information sheets and hand-delivered them to affected residents around 6 p.m. Friday evening. But he said residents didn’t seem to be too concerned.
“Most told me they don’t use the water anyway. Some hadn’t heard about (the advisory).”
Saunders agreed. “Very few seemed concerned,” about swimming in the lake. “One woman said it was just swimmer’s itch,” he said.
The timing of the latest advisory is ironic as the mayor had just returned from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario conference where he delivered some information blue green algae to MOE Minister John Gerretson.
Bagnato’s package included information on Quebec’s handling of the issue and noted “a $200 million commitment over 10 years has seen some 28 lakes returned to good health”.
The mayor requested an action plan be started similar to Quebec and included an one created for Brockton. “We must work together to avoid a potential economical and ecological disaster,” the mayor’s letter said.
As for Lake Rosalind, Bagnato said it will be a few days before test results come back.  
Friday’s advisory affects residents who use the lakes for domestic or recreational purposes.
Water accessed by residents from their own separate private well supply is not affected.
The advisory is in response to the presence of blue green algae within the lakes, and the associated presence of toxins.
“These toxins may be harmful to human health and to the health of animals,” the advisory warned.
The advisory urges people to not drink, brush teeth with, bathe in, shower in or swim in the water. They should also not wash clothes or dishes using lake water.
Boiling the water is not advised as it may release more toxins.