ST. PAUL – Visitors to Floating Stone Lake in the County of St. Paul are advised to be careful, as Cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) have been identified at the lake.
On July 25, Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued an advisory for Floating Stone Lake. AHS advises to avoid all contact with cyanobacterial blooms, and to wash with tap water as soon as possible if contact occurs.
Cyanobacteria is a naturally occurring phenomenon that becomes more visible under calm weather conditions. The blooms can appear as floating scum, grass clippings, or glob-like formations and may vary in colour, including blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, or even pinkish-red, according to the AHS. These blooms often emit a musty or grassy smell, according to the advisory.
The public and/or their pets are advised not to swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacteria are visible. In severe cases, exposure to cyanobacteria can be fatal to pets.
Consuming whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake is also not advised for pets and humans alike, as fish may store toxins in their liver. Fish fillets are safe to consume.
"As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Floating Stone Lake, at any time," reads AHS advisory.
Boiling the water from the lake will not remove cyanobacteria toxins.
Symptoms
Symptoms of exposure to cyanobacteria can include skin irritation, rashes, sore throats, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms typically appear within one to three hours of contact and usually resolve within one to two days.
Children, in particular, may experience more pronounced symptoms.
Weather conditions such as wind and currents may also cause the cyanobacterial blooms to shift location within the lake. As a result, the advisory for Floating Stone Lake will remain in place until further notice.
"Please note waters of Floating Stone Lake in which the cyanobacterial bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this Health Advisory is in place," according to the AHS.
For further information on cyanobacteria and potential health concerns, or if individuals suspect they or their pets may have been affected, to contact Health Link at 811. Additional information is available online at ahs.ca/bga.
