N.S. health official warns of possible toxin-producing algae bloom in lake

HALIFAX - Residents of Nova Scotia's Inverness County are being advised to take precautions when using Lake Ainslie because of a possible algae bloom.

Bill Rideout of the Department of Health Promotion and Protection said Wednesday the algae bloom hasn't been confirmed but the timing is identical to one last year.

Algae blooms are naturally occurring and toxins produced by some can affect health.

Rideout said people shouldn't drink the water or use it to prepare or cook food, or to brush teeth.

Boiling the water won't eliminate potential toxins.

People who have ingested water containing toxins from algae can experience stomach ache, diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

Recreational use of the water, bathing and showering is also not advised.

Pets and livestock also shouldn't be permitted to swim in the water or drink it.