Blue-Green algae detected near Thorne

The North Bay-Parry Sound District Health Unit says blue-green algae has been detected in the Ottawa River near Thorne.

The bloom does not impact the drinking water in Thorne as the municipal water comes from a different river.

The health unit recommends you not use the water for drinking, cooking, bathing, brushing teeth or water sports.

And if you’re on a private water system boiling the water won’t destroy the toxins.

Swimming is not recommended where there is blue-green algae and some toxins can build up in fish and shellfish.

It’s recommended that you don’t eat the liver, kidneys or other organs.

As well, the health unit says toxins may remain in the water even after the algae has disappeared.