LAKELAND - While a number of advisories for blue-green algae – also called cyanobacteria – in lakes have been put in place in other parts of the province, so far this summer, public health authorities have only issued one in the Lakeland region.
Dr. Jack Pang, the Medical Officer of Health for Alberta Health Services (AHS) North Zone, told the Lac La Biche Post newsroom on July 22 that AHS issued a cyanobacteria advisory for Kehewin Lake, located in the Municipal District of Bonnyville, on July 12. This advisory, he said, will remain in effect until further notice.
Blue-green algae, Pang said, can multiply rapidly during the summer, leading to extensive growth called a bloom. Several factors such as water temperature and weather conditions can influence bloom activity.
“Weather and wind conditions can also cause algae blooms to move from one location in a body of water to another, and blooms may even sink below the surface,” he explained, adding that AHS normally lifts cyanobacteria health advisories in late autumn, after water temperatures cool to such an extent that cyanobacteria is no longer a health concern.
The public is encouraged to watch for blooms on the surface of any lake, and if spotted, to avoid contact with that area of the lake. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of water, Pang explained, cyanobacteria can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.
He continued by saying that areas of lakes that do not have visible blooms can be used for recreational purposes, even when a blue-green algae health advisory is in place.
As for the health of effects of coming into contact with cyanobacteria or ingesting water containing this bacterium may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Typically, Pang said, lakes with a history of experiencing cyanobacteria blooms each year are likely to experience blooms during the summer months.
“Again, it’s important to note that several factors and conditions can affect and influence bloom activity, and this can vary by lake,” he said.
Regarding the criteria for issuing advisories, Pang stated that the government offers a provincial monitoring program which outlines the recreational water quality standards designed to protect the health of bathers. Based on the level of public use and the water quality history, certain beaches are designated as priority sites for monitoring and are eligible for routine water sampling of Enterococcus, or fecal bacteria, and cyanobacteria.
“When water quality samples exceed Enterococcus bacteria and/or other benchmarks such as cyanobacteria, AHS issues a health advisory for the recreation area, which are shared on the AHS website,” he explained, adding that health authorities also work with the respective municipality and beach operators to post advisory signage at the recreation area. “AHS public health inspectors may also collect and submit recreational water samples from any waterbody in response to complaints or potential health concerns.”
Albertans who have concerns about a recreational body of water can fill out a report online through https://ephisahs.albertahealthservices.ca/create-case/ or call 1-833-476-4743.
Individuals with health concerns can contact Health Link 24/7 at 811.Additional information is also available at www.ahs.ca/bga.
Earlier in July, water quality advisories due to fecal coliform levels were put in place for Camper’s Beach, Plamondon Whitesands Beach and McGrane Beach, all on Lac La Biche Lake. According to the AHS website listing active health advisories for the North Zone, as of July 24, all three locations have had the advisories removed.
