In September of 2014, White Lake experienced a significant blue-green algal bloom. The extent of the bloom covered the entire lake with the exception of parts of Sunset Bay. Samples were taken of this algal bloom by a representative of the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change and analyzed for toxins. The analysis for microcystins (class of toxic compounds) in this sample found a concentration level of 39.46ppb (nanograms per millilitre). This concentration far exceeds the Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards limit of 1.5ppb.
Below are photos of the bloom taken during an overflight of the lake by airplane.
Photo micrograph of Anabaena blue green algae
Documented Algal Blooms on White Lake - 2014