Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)

Colours may vary depending on the species of cyanobacteria, however they are typically on a green tint. There may be an earthy, musty, or stale odour as well. When the cyanobacteria rise to the surface it is often described as if the surface of the water has been painted green.

Blooms are triggered by excessive nutrients. This can be further accelerated by warm weather, calm conditions, and stagnant water.

When they occur in excess they can replace other species, creating an imbalance in the ecosystem and deprive other species of food. There are also many varieties and each one reacts differently to treatment.

The ultimate solution is to control the input of nutrients. There are products that might be able to help treat a body of water that has a cyanobacterial bloom.  

The first visible signs of cyanobacteria appeared on September 12, 2017 during routine maintenance and monitoring of the dam and spillway. On September 15, test results confirmed the presence of cyanobacteria.

Although cyanobacteria have been detected annually, no blooms developed again until August 29, 2022.

The City of Moncton is pursuing mitigation measures both for the watershed and the water treatment plant. The watershed mitigation recommendation has not yet been approved by the applicable regulatory bodies; further research has been requested of the product supplier. The water treatment plant is being upgraded in various phases Phase 1, which was to address the hydraulic capacity of the plant (prevent cyanobacteria from plugging within the treatment process) is complete. Phase 2, which is to mitigate against toxins that cyanobacteria are capable of producing, is underway and is expected to be completed by early 2026. 

Cyanobacteria appear naturally and often when the weather is very hot and dry. There is very little that could have prevented this from happening. The reservoirs at the Irishtown Nature Park and McLaughlin have both experienced cyanobacteria blooms in the past. Many other municipalities in NB, across Canada and around the world have also had this issue; it is a naturally occurring problem.

The water treatment plant is being upgraded in phases. The cost for Phase 1 was $6M, including assistance from both the federal government (40%) and the provincial government (33%). The cost for Phase 2 mitigation was approved for $22M under a similar funding agreement. 

Cyanobacteria are present in both the Turtle Creek reservoir (our primary drinking water supply) and in the Tower Road reservoir (second supply that opened in 2014). At the moment, conditions indicate that a bloom may recur in the Tower Road reservoir, as has occurred in 2017 and 2022. At this time, residents and pets can consume the water. Should there be a change in the situation, however, the public will be notified immediately.

Water treatment plant operators are continuing normal operations as well as daily monitoring and sampling. They are also working with the City of Moncton to prepare for the potential impact of a cyanobacterial bloom.

The City of Moncton and the Department of Health will notify residents of the tri-community immediately. This will be done through a media advisory, social media, websites and Moncton will also send it through their Moncton Alerts program.

No, homeowners with wells are not affected by cyanobacteria