Blue-Green Algae recurrence in Wheatland County

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

Alberta Health Services (AHS) once again issued a blue-green algae advisory in Wheatland County, after the toxin-producing bloom was spotted in Eagle Lake and Severn Creek Reservoir several weeks ago.
Since 2012 Eagle Lake has fallen victim to the naturally occurring bacteria – also known as Cyanobacteria – turning clear lakes into turquoise, gray, tan or sometimes red soupy-like bodies of water.
However, it wasn’t the lake’s appearance that caused medical professionals to issue safety warnings, but rather the possible toxins often accompanied with the bloom.
“At this site we’ve had advisories before, so it’s not too surprising that it happened again,” said Dr. Richard Musto, medical officer of health for AHS Calgary zone.
“As part of our routine monitoring, a water test was done and it showed the cell count to be above cut-off levels. If it gets above a certain level then we say that’s critical in terms of the amount of toxin that will be released. It’s the toxin that we’re worried about. It’s toxic to both, humans and animals.”
With sunny and hot temperatures playing active motivators in the bacteria’s proliferation, a bloom may become visible in the province’s nutrient-rich lakes over the summer months.
With the possibility of the release of toxins that, when concentrated, could lead to irritation of the skin and eyes, sore throat, rash, fever, nausea, and diarrhea, Wheatland County recently advised their residents to stay away from the infected water bodies.
“We’re giving out warnings,” said Lisa Bastarache, communications officer for Wheatland County. “Our people were out there putting up signs and warning people about what can happen. Some of the areas around there are still nice to go around if you want to go for a picnic. Just stay away from the water and don’t eat any of the fish.”
Wheatland County does not have the authority to force residents to stay away from the lakes, and without ways to treat the situation, the county requires patience until the algae eventually succumbs to colder temperatures in the fall.
Currently Alberta Health Services is monitoring 50 public recreational beaches on 37 lakes, which were subject to the algae before. Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development and Alberta Tourism, Park and Recreation are also monitoring close to 60 whole lake sites.
While Musto said the risks are serious, Eagle Lake RV Resort owner-operator Leslie Pringle has observed the algae for years and said it’s not the lakes that have changed but the hype surrounding the natural occurrence.
“It’s a perfectly natural phenomenon in this and any prairie lake,” said Pringle. “Algae has always been here. It’s important to read and listen and decide for yourself and know that the lake hasn’t changed. Algae was coming and going from these lakes, it’s the way the information is being collected and the way information is being disseminated that’s changed.”
According to AHS, as weather and wind conditions can contribute to the relocation of an algae bloom within the lake, those areas clear of the bloom are safe to use for recreational purposes while the advisory is in place. However, because boiling the lake water will not remove the blue-green algae-produced toxins, residents are warned to provide an alternate source of drinking water for themselves, their pets, and livestock.
Wheatland County will provide an update immediately if the situation were to change. However, based on previous years, the advisory may remain in place until the end of summer.
For more information on health concerns or blue-green algae, call Health Link Alberta at 1.866.408.5465.