LAC LA BICHE - An advisory has been issued at Camper’s Beach due to “elevated levels of fecal bacteria” at the Lac La Biche Lake beach.
The advisory was placed on the beach, located 10 km north of the hamlet Lac La Biche at Sir Winston Churchill Park, on Friday afternoon, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
“Elevated levels of fecal bacteria were detected via testing of the lake water at this beach,” AHS said in the statement, detailing the advisory and the potentially serious health effects.
“At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water at Camper’s Beach. As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.”
Currently, the North Zone AHS advisory team highly recommends avoiding any leisure activity or contact with the beach. Moreover, the department will continue to monitor the fecal bacteria as they assess the situation.
While other areas in the Lac La Biche lake are not currently impacted, AHS officials remind all visitors going to lakes that they should always practice safe usage of water.
“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.”
