Two advisories, one for blue-green algae and another for fecal bacteria levels, have now been issued for the waters of Lac La Biche lake in the days leading up to the Canada Day weekend.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) officials issued a blue-green algae advisory on Thursday, warning that areas of the lake were affected by an outbreak of the naturally-occurring bacteria that can appear on the surface as a green, blue, pink or brown-tinged "scum" or "glob". Human contact with blue-green algae can cause irritation to skin and the eyes. It can also cause nausea and diarrhea. The symptoms are more prominent in children, and can appear within a few hours of water contact. Ingestion of water with the bacteria can be fatal to pets.
Since the blue-green algae outbreak are on the surface of the water, they move with the wind and waves. Areas of water not showing indications of the algae can be considered safe for recreational purposes, say AHS officials.
Fecal concerns
The blue-green algae warning came a day after AHS issued an advisory that elevated levels of fecal bacteria had been found in water samples taken from the lake in an area near Campers' Beach at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park.
The sampling of the water that brought the advisories is part of regular studies of the water quality undertaken by AHS staff.
"AHS is advising the public not to swim or wade at this beach area, effective immediately," noted AHS spokesperson Logan Clow.
At the levels detected, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water. As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.
"As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir, at any time," added Clow. "Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea."
Not human waste
Clow told the Lac La Biche POST newsroom on Friday afternoon that while the exact source of the fecal bacteria has not been determined, it is not from human waste.
"Laboratory testing confirmed the elevated levels of fecal bacteria present in the water was not human fecal matter," he said.
Environmental Public Health officers will be continuing to monitor the water at Camper’s Beach.Anyone coming into contact with lake water that could be contaminated by either bacteria is advised to wash with tap water.
The advisories are is not the first for Lac La Biche lake. The lake has seen blue-green algae alerts almost every year for the last decade. Most times, the advisories follow periods of hot weather patterns. Fecal bacteria advisories over the years been linked to birds and water fowl activity in the area. The shores of Lac La Biche lake are recognized globally as an Important Birding Area.
Clow says the advisories will remain en effect until further notice.
