Alberta Health Services is urging people who visit Bangs Lake to take caution. The group says a Blue-Green Algae outbreak has been reported at the lake. Residents and visitors are advised to:
· Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) 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 (cyanobacteria) 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).
Boiling water will not remove the bacteria. 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.
AHS says they’ll continue to monitor the lake and provide an update when available.