By Shaun Penner

Health Advisory

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Sturgeon Lake

Jul 21, 2021 | 4:17 PM

A blue-green algae bloom has been found in Sturgeon Lake, which has led Alberta Health Services to issue a health advisory.

The blooms have been identified near the Young’s Point Provincial Park beach area, which already has a water quality advisory due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria in the water.

AHS says those near the shores of the lake are advised to avoid all contact with blue-green algae, to not swim or wade in the water, to not feed whole fish or fish trimming from the lake to pets. People should also consider not eating whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake, as the fish could store toxins in their liver.

“As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Sturgeon Lake, at any time,” says AHS.

“Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.”

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People who come in contact with, or ingest, blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. AHS says symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice. AHS adds areas of Sturgeon Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the health advisory in place.