The heat wave has triggered a blue-green algae bloom in Pine Lake.
Blue-green algae thrives in warm, slow-moving water and in central Alberta frequently follows a prolonged spike in temperatures.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning residents to avoid all contact with the algae. If coming in contact wash those areas with clean water immediately.
Areas of Pine Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this blue-green algae Health Advisory is in place, says AHS.
People and their pets should not swim or wade anywhere the algae is visible. Whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake should not be given to pets.
AHS says people should also consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver (People can safely consume fish fillets from Pine Lake).
Visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Pine Lake, at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while this advisory is active.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smells musty or grassy.
People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae or who ingest water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.
Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another. Due to this, the advisory will remain in effect for Pine Lake until further notice.
If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae, or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online, at www.ahs.ca/bga.