LAC LA BICHE - The good news is that the latest water advisories from Alberta Health Services for Lac La Biche lake aren't about blue green algae in the water.
The bad news - the advisories issued last week are about poop in the water.
Again- the good news ... it's not human poop or sewer contamination.
It's likely bird poop.
Unfortunately, like any kind of elevated level of an unwanted pollutant, the rise in fecal bacteria in some areas of the community's namesake lake has forced AHS to issue advisories. The water quality cautions are for areas around Whitesands Beach in the northwest corner of the lake and at Campers' Beach on Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park in the middle of the 30 kilometre-wide water body that stretches from Owl River to Plamondon.
The advisories caution against swimming or wading in the water near those beach areas while the advisory is in effect.
"Elevated levels of fecal bacteria were detected via testing of the lake water at this beach location. At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water ... as well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact," says Dr. Samantha Cheuk, the interim medical officer of health for the AHS North zone.
While the advisories are in effect, AHS health inspectors are continuing to work with beach operators and municipal officials to monitor the areas, provide signage and collect samples.
"It has not been confirmed if the fecal bacteria is from birds, however, levels of enterococcus are impacted by mammals and birds,"
— Alberta Health Services North Zone Interim Medical Officer Dr. Samantha Cheuk
Lots of birds
Those samples, Cheuk tells Lakeland This Week, have already been tested to show that the specific fecal bacteria — enterococcus — is not human. Since Lac La Biche Lake is a globally-recognized Important Birding Area and is home to more than 200 bird species, Cheuk was asked if the contamination was bird-related.
She said it is a possibility.
"Laboratory testing confirmed the elevated levels of fecal bacteria — enterococcus — present in the water was not human fecal matter. It has not been confirmed if the fecal bacteria is from birds, however, levels of enterococcus are impacted by mammals and birds," she said.
It's not the first time the two beaches and other areas of Lac La Biche Lake have been included in fecal bacteria advisories. Over the last eight years, AHS has issued five advisories about elevated fecal bacteria levels in similar areas of the lake. Similar advisories for naturally-occuring outbreaks of blue-green algae — cyanobacteria — in the waters of Lac La Biche Lake have been issued on an annual basis over the last decade.
Several recreational areas around the province — including Lac La Biche Lake — now receive regular water testing based on that water quality history.
"Based on the level of public use and the water quality history, certain beaches are designated as priority sites and are eligible for routine water sampling of Enterococcus and or cyanobacteria," said Cheuk. "AHS public health inspectors may also collect and submit recreational water samples from any waterbody in response to complaints or potential health concerns."
The health advisory for the areas of the lake will remain in effect until the bacteria levels drop.
Cheuk says the current advisory is in addition to standard cautions issued about any water bodies.
"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," she said.
Information on active and past advisories can be found at AHS website
