Algae Blooms and Reporting
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Current cyanobacteria advisories
The Department of Health and the Department of Environment and Local Government work together to ensure that any reported or suspected bloom is evaluated and that an advisory is posted when necessary.
View current cyanobacteria advisories
Once an advisory is posted, it will remain on the list indefinitely.
Although each summer the area of water indicated may not have cyanobacteria blooms, they are left on the list for visitors to be aware that they could possibly recur since the area has had cyanobacteria blooms in the past. Future sampling of the area will not be undertaken to rescind any advisories due to the unpredictability of cyanobacteria blooms.
Report a suspected cyanobacteria bloomThe Department of Environment and Local Government plays a part in the management and protection of New Brunswick waters. It has developed a protocol to consistently address occurrences of cyanobacteria blooms. If you encounter what you suspect might be a cyanobacteria bloom, please report it by calling the appropriate Department of Environment and Local Government
Regional Office.
In order to assist department staff in addressing your concerns, it would be helpful for you to provide the following information:
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The name and location of the affected body of water.
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The type of body of water (lake, stream or pond).
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Colour of the bloom or mat? Photos would be helpful, if possible.
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Is there a yellow scum on the surface of the water (this would likely be pollen deposition)?
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Is the bloom only on the surface or does the bloom seem to be distributed throughout the water column?
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Does the bloom seem to only occur along the shoreline?
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The length of time the issue has been occurring.
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Any additional information or observations.
In addition to advisories posted on this website, health advisory signage will be installed indicating that blooms have been observed at the affected body of water.
Septics and Water Safety
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Did you know that as a homeowner you’re responsible for maintaining your septic system?
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Did you know that maintaining your septic system protects your investment in your home?
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Did you know that you should regularly inspect your system and pump out your septic tank?
Protecting health and the environment
Other good reasons for safe treatment of sewage include preventing the spread of disease and protecting water resources. Typical pollutants in household wastewater include nitrogen, phosphorous, and disease-causing bacteria and viruses. If a septic system is working properly, it will remove most of these pollutants.
Poorly treated sewage from septic systems can be a cause of groundwater contamination.
It poses a significant threat to drinking water and human health because it can contaminate drinking water wells and cause diseases and infections in people and animals.
Improperly treated sewage that enters nearby surface water also increases the chance of swimmers contracting infectious diseases. These range from eye and ear infections to acute gastrointestinal illness and diseases like hepatitis.
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