2024-25 - Cyanotoxins detected in the drinking water reservoir at Sambaa K’e - NWT Water Stewardship Strategy Workshop (Oct. 29-30, 2024) Report - CIMP251

File Identifier: {6BC15424-4853-42D9-A356-0094F1B1F656}

Metadata Language: en

Responsible Party:

Organisation Name: NWT CIMP

Role: Point Of Contact

Contact Info:

E-Mail Address: nwtcimp@gov.nt.ca

Metadata Date: 2025-09-04

Metadata Standard Name: ISO 19139/19115 Metadata for Datasets

Metadata Standard Version: 2003

Abstract: An algal bloom (visible surface scum) was observed in the drinking water reservoir at Sambaa K’e in July 2024. The bloom was accompanied by complaints of noxious taste and odour compounds in tap water and reports of diarrhea and upset stomachs. It also occurred in association with a series of other failures within the water treatment system that resulted in a boil water advisory. Examination under a field microscope revealed that the algal bloom was made up of cyanobacteria (a.k.a. blue-green algae) taxa that have the capacity to produce cyanotoxins that can be harmful to human and animal health. Untreated water samples were collected from the reservoir on July 15, 19, 24, and 25, and sent to a commercial lab for analysis of microcystin-LR, the most commonly measured cyanotoxin. Lab analysis confirmed the presence of microcystin-LR at levels higher than the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) established and recommended by the federal government for total microcystins in drinking water (1.5 μg/L for adults, 0.4 μg/L for infants). Treated water was not tested and we do not know if gastrointestinal illnesses were caused by cyanotoxins.

Language: en

Citation:

Contact Info:

Title: 2024-25 - Cyanotoxins detected in the drinking water reservoir at Sambaa K’e - NWT Water Stewardship Strategy Workshop (Oct. 29-30, 2024) Report - CIMP251

Date:

Date: 2024-10-30

Date Type: Publication Date

Topic Category: Environment and Conservation

Keyword Collection:

Keyword: climate change

Keyword: cyanobacteria

Keyword: microcystins

Keyword: water

Keyword: iron

Keyword: phosphorus

Spatial Extent:

West Bounding Longitude: -121.590381

East Bounding Longitude: -121.05085

North Bounding Latitude: 60.770965

South Bounding Latitude: 60.385244

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URL: https://nwtdiscoveryportal.enr.gov.nt.ca/geoportaldocuments/2024-25%20-%20Deliverable%20-%20SKFN%20NWT%20Water%20Stewardship%20Summary%20-%20YorkU(Korosi)%20-%20CIMP251.pdf

Distributor:

Distributor Contact:

Organisation Name: Cumulative Impact Monitoring Program (CIMP)

Role: Point Of Contact