Alberta Health Services says the Blue-Green Algae outbreak around Alberta this summer has hit Cold Lake. In a release posted yesterday, AHS announced that a bloom of the bacteria was found in the marina in the lake.
Officials say anyone visiting or living near the lake should keep a watch for more blooms. Weather and wind conditions could cause the bloom to move.
The public is also advised to take the following precautions:
Avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible. Do 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 still safely consume fish fillets from this lake.
Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. It appears like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of the 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 it may experience symptoms including skin irritation, rash, nausea and vomiting.
Anyone looking for more information can call Health Link at 811. AHS says the advisory will stay in place until further notice