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AHS warns of blue-green algae bloom at Bear Lake

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Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued an advisory for a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom in Bear Lake and is warning the public to take precautions.

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The advisory will remain in effect until further notice. AHS warned that weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move around the lake.

“As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Bear Lake, at any time,” a Monday health advisory stated.

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Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and often visible during calm weather conditions.

It can have the appearance of scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water and can smell musty or grassy. Its colour can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown and/or pinkish-red.

Those who inject or come into contact with blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

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Symptoms typically appear within one-to-three hours and resolve in one-to-three days. Children may have more pronounced symptoms but all humans are susceptible.

“Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae,” the advisory added. “An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.”

Despite the advisory, AHS said the public can still use areas of Bear Lake where the blue-green algae bloom is not visible for recreational purposes.

Visitors and residents living near the shores are asked to:

  • Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) 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 blue-green algae (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).

Those who suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or require more information on health concerns and blue-green algae can call Health Link at 811. Further information is also available online.

Bear Lake is located approximately 15 kilometres northwest of Grande Prairie.

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