The GNWT is warning people not to swim or fish in Jackfish Lake due to its high levels of arsenic and harmful algae.
The territorial government says it will be posting warning signs around the lake within the next couple of weeks.
Several Yellowknife-area lakes SA国际影视传媒� including Jackfish, Frame, and Kam Lake SA国际影视传媒� have elevated arsenic levels stemming from historical gold mining. The GNWT is urging residents not to swim, fish or harvest edible plants in and around these lakes. Drinking untreated water from any local lake is also discouraged.
HereSA国际影视传媒檚 a list of all lakes to avoid:
- Jackfish Lake
- David Lake
- Fox Lake
- Frame Lake
- Gar Lake
- Handle Lake
- Kam Lake
- Niven Lake
- Peg Lake
- Meg Lake
- Rat Lake
Contact with contaminated water can cause skin, eye, and throat irritation, gastrointestinal symptoms, or, in severe cases, liver and kidney damage, the GNWT noted. Children and pets are especially vulnerable.
Since 2013, Jackfish Lake has also been monitored for cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. These microscopic organisms are found in freshwater and can produce harmful toxins under warm, nutrient-rich conditions.
Cyanobacteria is present year-round in Jackfish Lake, with blooms typically occurring from mid-August to early September, according to the GNWT.
Suspected algal blooms should be reported to the regional Environment and Climate Change office, the GNWT stated.
