Blue-green algae advisory issued for Isle Lake west of Edmonton
The advisory for Isle Lake remains in effect until further notice. Areas of the lake where algae blooms are not visible can still be used for recreation.
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Keep an eye out for the blue-green stuff if you have plans at Isle Lake this Canada Day long weekend.
Alberta Health Services says Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, has been seen in the waters of the lake about 80 kilometres west of Edmonton.
Never drink or cook with untreated water from any lake. Boiling does not get rid of the toxins created by the algae. Here are some additional precautions from AHS to take at Isle Lake:
- Avoid all contact with algae blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
- Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacteria is visible.
- Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
- 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 this lake).
- Do not use water contaminated with cyanobacteria to water edible plants. This is particularly important for plants with edible parts exposed to the ground surface (such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and other salad vegetables).
While the advisory is active, don’t water pets or livestock with lake water, either.
Algae is naturally occurring and can become easier to see when conditions are calm, AHS said in a Thursday news release, adding that touching or ingesting contaminated water can lead to skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The symptoms, which normally appear within one to three hours of exposure, tend to last a day or two. The bacteria can cause a stronger reaction in children and can be fatal to pets.
The advisory for Isle Lake remains in effect until further notice. Areas of the lake where algae blooms are not visible can still be used for recreation.
Phone Health Link at 811 for more information about blue-green algae and its harmful effects, or visit the AHS website.
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