Alberta Health Services has issued a blue-green algae advisory for a lake located more than an hour northwest of Edmonton.
Officials said tests had shown blue-green algae had been found in the waters of Lac La Nonne, located south of Barrhead.
The advisory applies to residents, and visitors, all of whom are advised to take the following precautions:
- Not drink the water, or allow pets to drink water from the lake
- Not swim or wade, or allow pets to swim or wade into the lake
- Avoid contact with blooms that wash up on the shore
In addition, officials said visitors and residents might want to limit their consumption of fish from the lake, and should note that boiling water from the lake does not remove the toxin left by the algae.
That toxin is found in the lake water whether or not a bloom is visible.
Anyone that comes in contact with or ingests water containing blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Those symptoms often appear within one to three hours, and clear up within one to two days.
Over time, those who consume contaminated water regularly can develop more serious health issues, such as liver damage.
Anyone who suspects a blue-green algae problem, or is looking for more information, can call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
