Nicole Hancock
Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony ...

Kristen Villebrun and Wendy Bush hoped they wouldn't have to pray for Chedoke Creek, but four years after they first raised alarm about the water's condition, they were part of an Indigenous full moon ceremony to do just that. About 50 people showed up near Princess Point on the dark and frigid Monday evening for the monthly ceremony, which was particularly special as it focused on Chedoke Creek. The body of water that runs into Cootes Paradise had about 24 billion litres of sewage and storm water runoff leak into it due to a gate being left open.

Indigenous community hosts full moon ceremony to heal Chedoke Creek

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Canadian woman hospitalized after drinking too much water for '75 Hard' challenge; had severe sodium deficiency

Canadian woman hospitalized after drinking too much water for '75 Hard' challenge; had severe sodium deficiency

Severe sodium deficiency is referred to as hyponatremia in medical terms and is life-threatening if left untreated. In this, the concentration of sodium in the blood drops to an abnormally low level and this affects the individual because sodium is an electrolyte and it regulates the water content of the cells. When there is less sodium and more water in the body, the cells swell up and this triggers several health issues. The common symptoms of sodium deficiency are nausea and vomiting, headache, confusion, energy loss, fatigue, irritability, restlessness, muscle weakness, cramps, seizures and coma. These are initial signs of the disorder and one should visit a doctor immediately after identifying these signs.

Blue-green algae bloom found near Souris: CPHO advisory

Blue-green algae bloom found near Souris: CPHO advisory

P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office issued a public advisory Monday afternoon warning about the presence of blue-green algae in Black Pond, near Souris. Also known as cyanobacteria, blue-green algae are clusters of microscopic organisms that can produce toxins harmful to humans and animals.

Giardia found in pond at Pitt Meadows park

Giardia found in pond at Pitt Meadows park

This waterborne parasite, which is the most common intestinal parasite in Canada, can lead to some pretty nasty symptoms, including gas, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal cramps, and nausea or vomiting. It is especially important to keep children away from the pond or to thoroughly wash their hands if they do come in contact with the water since children up to nine years old are most at risk of developing giardia symptoms, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Pine Lake

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Pine Lake

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Pine Lake, at any time. AHS says boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while this advisory is active.

Province warns Islanders of blue-green algae found in Black Pond

Province warns Islanders of blue-green algae found in Black Pond

P.E.I.'s Chief Public Health Office says blue-green algae has been found in Black Pond in the eastern part of Souris. The province issued an advisory on Tuesday warning Islanders to avoid exposure to the water in that area. Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) may form scum that can cause skin rashes and irritations for swimmers. Ingesting the water may cause nausea, vomiting, sore throat, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. As a result of the discovery, the province is also advising people to avoid eating fish caught in the area.

Blue-green algae bloom warning for Penhorn Lake

Blue-green algae bloom warning for Penhorn Lake

The Halifax Regional Municipality is warning of a blue-green algae bloom at Penhorn Beach in Dartmouth. The city is warning people not to swim in the lake and to keep pets out as well. Lake users are urged to take the following precautions: Avoid water contact. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible. Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in the water. Avoid consuming water from the lake. Avoid consuming fish from the lake.

Contaminant from coal mines already high in some Alberta rivers: unreported data

Contaminant from coal mines already high in some Alberta rivers: unreported data

The province's plan for large-scale expansion of the industry is fueling widespread criticism that includes concerns over selenium pollution. The data shows that same contaminant has been found for years at high levels downstream of three mines and never publicly reported. The findings raise questions about Alberta Environment, said a former senior official who has seen the data. "There were lots of [selenium] numbers and it was consistently above the water quality guidelines and in many cases way higher," said Bill Donahue, the department's one-time executive director of science. "Why did Alberta Environment sit on these data for easily the last 10 to 15 years?"

B.C. First Nations village evacuated after blue-green algae found in water source

B.C. First Nations village evacuated after blue-green algae found in water source

A small Indigenous community based in the South Coast community of Kingcome Inlet, B.C., has been evacuated after blue-green algae was found in its well water. Chief Willie Moon of the Dzawada'enuxw First Nation says the decision was made last Thursday, Feb. 13, to evacuate around 60 people after tests from the First Nations Health Authority confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria. "Last summer people were complaining about the smell of the water," said Moon. "We don't know how long we've been exposed to this bacteria."

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