Stoney Lake seems to have become a victim of blue-green algae. Alberta Health Services issued a warning today that a bloom of the bacteria had been found in the lake. AHS is warning all residents and visitors of a couple of dangers, including avoiding all contact with blue-green algae blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible. Try not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where blue-green algae ) is visible. Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and often becomes 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.
AHS says areas of Stoney Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this blue-green algae Health Advisory is in place.
Anyone looking for more information on Blue Green Algae can call Health Link at 811