Water from Quebec's Lake Massawippi still off limits

Threecommunities in Quebec's Eastern Townships are still waiting to find out whether their drinking water is safe.

A battery of tests run on water samples from Lake Massawippi will determine whether dangerously high levels of cyanobacteria detected Sept. 22 have dropped enough to make the water safe for human and animal consumption.

Thousands of people in the communities of Hatley Township, North Hatley, and Waterville draw their drinking water from the lake, which was declared a no-go zone by public officials last Friday.

Health officials imposed a stringent ban on the water because of the presence of the bacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Officials warned people in the area not to touch, let alone drink, the water from Lake Massawippi because of its toxicity.

The blue-green algae toxin irritates skin and membranes after any kind of contact, and will cause gastroenteritis, muscle tremors and breathing problems if ingested.

Students in North Hatley stayed home Monday and Tuesday, but were back in class Wednesday, after schools in neighbouring communities opened their doors to them.

The water ban has also hit businesses in the area that rely on tourists drawn to the region's lush greenery, picturesque shorelines and spectacular autumn colours.