Health advisory issued for Stoney Lake due to blue-green algae presence

Alberta Health Services has issued a health advisory for Stoney Lake, after identifying the presence of blue-green algae in the water. The advisory urges residents and visitors to avoid all contact with the algae, which can pose significant health risks.  

According to AHS, individuals should not swim, wade, or allow pets to enter areas where Cyanobacteria blooms are visible. If contact does occur, it is recommended to wash with tap water immediately. The advisory also cautions against consuming whole fish or fish trimmings from Stoney Lake and advises against feeding them to pets.  

AHS reminds the public to avoid drinking or cooking with untreated water from any recreational body of water, including Stoney Lake. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria, so an alternative source of drinking water should be provided for both humans and animals during this advisory.  

Contact with cyanobacteria or ingestion of contaminated water may lead to a range of symptoms, including skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms typically appear within one to three hours of exposure and usually resolve within one to two days. Children are particularly susceptible, but all individuals are at risk. Pets are especially vulnerable, and exposure to the bacteria can be fatal for them.  

Due to the potential for weather conditions to cause algae blooms to shift around the lake, the advisory will remain in effect until further notice.  

For further information on health concerns related to cyanobacteria, or if you suspect a problem, AHS advises contacting Health Link at 811.