AHS issues blue-green algae advisory for lake east of Edmonton
A blue-green algae bloom has been found in areas of Wapasu Lake.
On Wednesday, a release was sent out notifying residents living near the shores to take precaution around the water.
Alberta Health Services said blooms are naturally occurring, and often become visible when weather conditions are calm and it typically looks like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface.
Blue-green algae can also vary in colour from a blue-green, greenish-brown, brown or pinkish-red. It also has a potent odour that’s either musty, or grassy.
AHS noted that visitors and residents should never drink the water at Waspsu Lake at any time as boiling the water will not remove the toxins.
If possible, avoid all contact with the water, don’t go swimming or wade in areas where the algae is visible, and don’t feed the fish or fish trimmings from the lake to pets.
AHS also recommends finding an alternative water source for livestock.
If you come into contact with the algae, some of the symptoms to watch out for include skin irritation, rash, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. AHS says symptoms occur one to three hours, and resolve in one to two days.
The advisory will remain in place until further notice as algae blooms can move to other locations around the lake.
If you think there is a blue-green algae issue in your area contact Health Link at 811 or go online.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.