Photo Courtesy EverythingGP Staff

By Tanner Smith

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-Green algae advisory issued by AHS for Sturgeon Lake

Jul 7, 2023 | 5:23 PM

Alberta Health Services has detected blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms in Sturgeon Lake and has issued an advisory.

AHS recommends avoiding all contact with blue-green algae blooms, not feeding whole fish or trimmings to pets, and limiting human consumption of fish from this lake.

Visitors and residents are also reminded to never consume or cook with untreated water, as boiling the lake water won’t remove toxins produced by algae.

Areas of the lake without blue-green algae blooms are still safe for recreational use, however, strong winds can cause these blooms to move around the lake.

If you do come in contact with blue-green algae, wash with clean water as soon as possible and watch for symptoms, which consist of:

• Rashes
• Sore red eyes
• Swollen lips
• Fever
• Nausea

Symptoms only usually last one or two days and show up after an hour or two of contact.

If you suspect a blue-green algae problem or want more information on health concerns, call Healthlink at 811 or click here.