LAC LA BICHE - More water quality advisories have been issued for areas of Lac La Biche Lake.
On Aug. 6, Alberta Health Services (AHS) sent out an advisory stating there were "elevated levels of fecal bacteria currently present in the water of Lac La Biche Lake at McArthur Beach." The day before on Aug. 5, a similar advisory was put in place for McGrane Beach, also located on Lac La Biche.
AHS is advising the public not to swim or wade at either beach, effective immediately.
Both advisories contained the same wording, stating there were elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the lake water at both beach locations. At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water at both areas of the lake.
"As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact," according to AHS.
"As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir, at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea."
AHS Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water at both beaches.
On July 22, an advisory was issued for Campers' Beach at Sir Winston Churchill Park for the same reason.
Lac La Biche lake also has a current blue-green algae advisory in place. That advisory was issued on July 21 and is still active according to AHS.
