Blue-green algae advisory issued for Wabamun Lake ahead of August long weekend
Global News
Lakegoers are advised to avoid all contact with blue-green algae, but AHS said areas of Wabamun Lake where the blooms are not visible can still be used for recreational purposes.
Heading into the August long weekend, a health advisory has been issued for a popular body of water west of Edmonton.
On Friday, Alberta Health Services issued a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) advisory for Wabamun Lake in Parkland County.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm.
The blooms are common in Alberta because of the phosphorus-rich soils the region sits on.
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 (scroll down for example photos.)
Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move around to different parts of the lake so the advisory will remain in effect for Wabamun Lake until further notice, AHS said.
AHS added areas of Wabamun Lake in which the algae is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the health advisory is in place.
People who come in contact with visible algae blooms or who swallow contaminated water may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
