AHS has issued an advisory for some parts of Sturgeon Lake in the MD of Greenview after identifying Cyanobacteria or blue-green algae in the waters.
As a result, residents living near the shores of the lake, as well as visitors to the lake are advised to avoid all contact with algae blooms, avoid swimming or allowing pets to swim in any areas where algae is visible, and avoid eating whole fish from the lake; however, AHS suggests that fish fillets are still safe for consumption during this time.
Visitors can identify blue-green algae due to its unique appearance of scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of the water, and is usually blue-green, greenish-brown, or pinkish-red in colour, with a “musty or grassy” smell.
Those who come in contact with visible cyanobacteria or ingest water containing the algae could experience symptoms such as skin irritation, rash, sore throat, red eyes, and in some cases vomiting or diarrhea. AHS adds that exposure to the bacteria could be fatal to pets.
The health authority maintains that the waters of Sturgeon Lake where cyanobacteria is not visible are still suitable for recreational purposes, even under the advisory.
