LAC LA BICHE - Alberta Health Services (AHS) is cautioning the public about water quality concerns in the area of Campers' Beach at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Campsite in Lac La Biche County.
AHS officials issued the advisory on Wednesday night that elevated levels of fecal bacteria had been found in water samples taken from the area.
The sampling is part of regular studies of the water quality.
"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."
AHS Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water at Camper’s Beach. The advisory will remain en effect until further notice.
The advisory is not the first for the area of Lac La Biche lake. In recent years, other advisories for fecal levels or blue-green algae have been issued.
