ST. PAUL - A blue-green algae bloom has been identified in areas of Vincent Lake, located north of St. Paul.
Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to this lake are advised to avoid all contact with the cyanobacteria blooms. If contact does occur, it is recommended people wash off with tap water as soon as possible, according to the advisory from Alberta Health Services (AHS), dated July 13.
While it is recommended to not swim or wade in the water where the algae is visible, the lake can still be used for recreational purposes, even with the advisory in place.
It is recommended that people avoid feeding whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake to pets, and also consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from the lake.
"As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Vincent Lake, at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active," according to the advisory.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. The algae appears like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water.
Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another, so the advisory will remain in effect for Vincent Lake until further notice.
