Things are looking a little green at Moose Lake.
That's because of the cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
These blooms are a cause for concern, but according to Kellie Nichiporik, chair for the Moose Lake Watershed Society, residents shouldn't worry, it happens every year.
"Blue-green algae is naturally occurring. We've done core samples in the lake and we found that it's over 300-years-old in the lake. It's been here for a very long time."
Cyanobacteria is caused by warmer temperatures, aging, and lake users.
"As lakes naturally age they do become more neurotrophic naturally, however, human influences can also affect the lake," explained Nichiporik.
Things like fertilizers, removing riparian vegetation, agriculture, and people can also play a negative role and impact the water quality of the lake.
But pinpointing exactly what is causing the algae blooms on Moose Lake is not an easy task. It could be one or any number of factors.
"All of us affect lake health via septic systems and things like that. We do add more nutrients to the lake, but the weather can also be a big influence," Nichiporik noted.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued an advisory on July 7, notifying residents to avoid any areas where the algae blooms were visible. They conduct tests every year at public beaches like Moose Lake, issuing advisories when algae booms are found.
Nichiporik said swimmers should look out for anything that looks like grass clippings in the lake or blue-green teal blooms.
Although one area of the lake may have this contaminant, that doesn't mean the rest of it is unusable.
Medical officer for AHS Dr. Gerry Predy recommends keeping an eye out for it wherever you are on the lake.
"The areas where the blooms are can shift. It may move around so they need to be vigilant when they're at the lake and to watch out for it because they can move, and sometimes with the wind blowing or them growing more, they can expand their area," he explained.
Should someone come into contact with the algae, it's recommended they wash with soap and water.
"They could experience skin irritation or a rash. If they actually swallow it they could get a sore throat, swollen neck, sometimes vomiting, and diarrhea," Predy said.
It's also important that pet owners keep their four-legged friends away from the lake as well, because they too can experience these symptoms.
"You would probably see a rash on the skin of the pet, or they might develop some similar symptoms," Predy noted. "It's important to keep an eye on your pets and to make sure they don't jump into the water or consume water where these blooms are."
Anyone consuming fish from the lake is also cautioned.
Predy suggests only consuming fish fillets, because they won't contain the bacteria a whole fish or fish trimmings might.
Some residents have turned up their noses since finding out about the algae, calling the condition of the lake less than appealing.
Nichiporik said this could be because of how the algae blooms actually look, and because of the symptoms that are associated with coming into contact with it.
Predy said, "Most people who have cottages or go to the lake frequently are probably aware of it, we (AHS) just want to be sure everyone knows about it."
