Cyanobacteria advisories in place over Eagle Lake and Severn Dam Reservoir

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Cyanobacteria advisories have been put in place for Eagle Lake and the Severn Dam Reservoir as of Aug. 21, and 22, respectively.

Those who live around the water bodies, as well as those who may be visiting, are advised to avoid all contact with the cyanobacterial blooms, to not swim or wade in the affected waters, to not allow pets to swim, and to avoid consuming fish or fish trimmings from the affected bodies.

Visitors and residents are advised to not drink or cook with affected water, as boiling will not purge cyanotoxins created by the cyanobacteria from the water. 

“When blue-green algae blooms are detected, either visibly or through water testing, it presents a risk to human health because of the release of toxins from the bacteria,” said Joshua Jones, a senior public health resident physician with Alberta Health Services. “Cyanobacteria, otherwise known as blue-green algae, produces a toxin known as cyanotoxin, and the health risks it presents is that with contact either with people swimming or wading into it, they can develop skin irritation, rash, sore eyes, sore throat, swollen lips, and the risk of consuming it is that it can lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.”

Cyanobacteria is naturally occurring and often develops when weather conditions are calm, with ample available light and heat over a water body. It can appear like scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of a water body.

In addition to avoiding direct contact with the cyanobacteria, residents and visitors are advised to not water edible plants with contaminated water. 

Waters of Eagle Lake and the Severn Dam Reservoir in which the cyanobacteria bloom is not visible may still be used for recreational purposes even while the health advisories are in place. 

Residents and visitors are advised that weather and wind conditions may cause algae blooms to move from one location to another, thus the health advisories will be in place until further notice. 

As weather conditions cool and darken, the algae will eventually die off and the advisories will be lifted. 

For those who come into contact with cyanobacteria, Alberta Health Services advises to rinse skin with clean water as soon as possible.

Agricultural operators are also advised to not allow livestock to come into contact with or to consume contaminated water, as it could cause sickness or fatality to animals. 

Those who suspect problems related to cyanobacteria or who are experiencing symptoms caused by the algae are advised to call Health Link immediately at 811. Additional information has also been made available online through the Alberta Health Services website.