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Blue-green algae advisory in place for Lac La Biche Lake

As of June 27, a blue-green algae advisory has been put in place for Lac La Biche Lake

A blue-green algae advisory has been put in place for Lac La Biche Lake.  

As of June 27, residents and tourists using the lake for recreational purposes are encouraged to avoid contact with any parts of the lake where the algae can be seen. Those who visit the lake should also be aware of the side effects that may occur if a person comes in contact with blue-green algae.  

“People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae or who ingest water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea,” according to the Alberta Health Services (AHS) health advisory released on Monday. 

Symptoms usually appear within a few hours and subside anywhere from three to 48 hours, but if they last longer, people should seek medical attention calling 811, say officials.  

The algae bloom can appear in different colours and has a strong smell and individuals should practice safety and wash off any contacted areas with clean water. 

“Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy… If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible,” reads the health advisory. 

Fortunately, the entire lake hasn’t been impacted by the algae that typically appears due to warmer weather and is increasingly visible when the climate is calm. Areas where the algae is not visible are still safe to use. 

“Please note that areas of Lac La Biche Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this blue-green algae Health Advisory is in place.” 

However, minimizing the consumption of  fish or water for both humans and pets while the advisory is active is important, regardless if food is cooked or water is boiled, say officials. 

“As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Lac La Biche Lake at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae… It is known that fish may store toxins in their liver.” 

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