Health officials are advising the public not to use lake water at South Lake in Ontario’s Minden Hills Township, following a fuel oil spill.
Lakelands Public Health said furnace oil was released from private property over the weekend into the lake, which is located just southeast of the village of Minden.
The fuel sheen remained above the water and changed with wind conditions, making it difficult to control, the health unit reported.
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Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) crews are working with the property owner to contain the spill.
Many properties, both permanent and cottages, draw water directly from the lake, leading the health unit to issue a drinking water advisory.
Residents are advised not to drink, cook, bathe or wash with lake water.
“Boiling water will not make it safe,” the health unit said.
Officials say for now use bottled water or alternative water sources.
The situation is being monitored by health officials, the city government, MECP and other agencies, and this warning remains in effect until further notice.
The township also remains under a state of emergency due to flooding conditions along the Gull River, which flows through downtown Minden.
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