Posted by 
Alberta Health Services on Friday issued a Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, warning for Wabamun Lake.
The lake is about 60 kilometres west of Edmonton in Parkland County.
- Avoid all contact with algae blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
- Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacteria is visible.
- Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
- Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).
- Do not use water contaminated with cyanobacteria to water edible plants. This is particularly important for plants with edible parts exposed to the ground surface (such as cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and other salad vegetables).
While the advisory is active, don’t water pets or livestock with lake water.
Algae is naturally occurring and can become easier to see when conditions are calm. Touching or ingesting contaminated water can lead to skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.
The symptoms, which normally appear within one to three hours of exposure, tend to last a day or two. The bacteria can cause a stronger reaction in children and can be fatal to pets.
The advisory for Wabamun Lake remains in effect until further notice. Areas of the lake where algae blooms are not visible can still be used for recreation.
Phone Health Link at 811 for more information about blue-green algae and its harmful effects, or visit the AHS website.
