While the dog days of summer are here, you should be aware of several blue-green algae advisories before cooling off in a local lake.
There have been advisories issued for lakes throughout the province, including many near Fort Saskatchewan. The presence of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) can be harmful to human health, so advisories are issued when blooms are identified or confirmed by sample results.
Here are some nearby advisories to know if you are planning on a day trip:
- Half Moon Lake (35 min drive)
- Astotin Lake (34 min drive)
- Lac Ste. Anne (1 he 5 min drive)
- Wizard Lake (1 hr 6 min drive)
- Lac La Nonne (1 hr 10 min drive)
- Skeleton Lake (1 hr 30 min drive)
- Garner Lake (1 hr 36 min drive)
- Steele Lake (1 hr 40 min drive)
- Floatingstone Lake (1 hr 41 min drive)
- Stoney Lake (1 hr 44 min drive)
- Haunted Lake (1 hr 46 min drive)
- Baptiste Lake (1 hr 46 min drive)
- Buck Lake (1 hr 53 min drive)
Blue-green algae occurs naturally in Alberta during calm and warmer weather conditions, generally from July to September. Common health risks related to blue-green algae exposure include:
- Skin irritation
- Rash
- Sore throat
- Sore red eyes
- Swollen lips
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Fever
Alberta Health Services (AHS) advises people who come into contact with the algae to rinse off with tap water immediately. Dogs and other animals should also not come into contact with the bacteria as it can cause extreme sickness or be fatal.
Advisories are in effect until rescind notices are issued.