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Blue-green algae warning issued for Pigeon Lake

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Alberta Health Services is warning the public after finding blue-green algae in Pigeon Lake. 

Blooms of the algae, also known as cyanobacteria, have been identified on parts of the popular swimming spot 100 kilometres southwest of Edmonton. 

The algae is dangerous for both humans and pets and can cause skin irritation, sore eyes and throat, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea within hours of contact. 

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Cyanobacteria is naturally occurring and becomes visible during periods of calm weather, said an AHS advisory issued Friday. It appears in grassy or musty smelling clumps that look like scum, grass clippings or globs on the water’s surface. In ranges in colour from blue green to greenish-brown to pink and red. 

Blue-green algae blooms affect lakes across North America.
Blue-green algae blooms affect lakes across North America. Photo by Brian Gavriloff /Edmonton Journal

AHS advises lake users not to swim or wade in areas with the algae. If you or a pet do come into contact with a bloom, wash the area on your body with tap water.  

Areas where the blooms are not visible can still be used for recreational purposes even while the advisory is in place, AHS said.

Alberta lakes may be experiencing more algae blooms because of development in local watersheds, but there has also been an increase in water monitoring

Lake users should also avoid eating whole fish or fish trimmings from affected lakes — or feeding them to pets — because fish can store toxins from the algae in their livers. Fish fillets, however, are safe for human consumption. Water from the lakes should not be used for drinking or cooking even after boiling. 

The algae advisory is in effect for Pigeon Lake until further notice, the release said. 

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