Blue-green algae in Eagle Lake

Janet Kanters
Times Contributor

 

A blue-green algae bloom has been identified in areas of Eagle Lake, east of Strathmore, and in Severn Creek Reservoir, near Standard.
On June 23, Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued a health advisory cautioning residents living near the shores of Eagle Lake, as well as visitors to the lake, to take precautions. AHS issued the health advisory for Severn Creek Reservoir on June 28.
These precautions include avoiding all contact blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible. AHS also cautions people to avoid swimming or wading in any areas where the blue-green algae is visible. This extends to pets as well.
Boiling lake water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active, according to AHS.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and often become visible when weather conditions are calm. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.
People who come in contact with visible blue-green algae, or who ingest water containing blue-green algae, may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.
Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another. As such, AHS states these advisories will remain in effect for Eagle Lake and Severn Creek Reservoir until further notice.