Alberta Health Services has issued an urgent warning for residents and visitors of Kehewin Lake due to the identification of cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, in the water.
In a statement released by AHS, the public is advised to exercise caution and adhere to the following guidelines to ensure safety:
Avoid contact: Do not touch Cyanobacteria blooms. If accidental contact occurs, wash thoroughly with tap water.
No swimming or wading: Refrain from swimming or wading in areas where cyanobacteria are visible. This applies to pets as well.
Pet safety: Do not feed pets whole fish or fish trimmings from Kehewin Lake.
Human consumption: Limit consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from the lake due to potential toxin accumulation in fish livers. Fish fillets are considered safe for human consumption.
AHS emphasized that untreated water from Kehewin Lake should never be used for drinking or cooking, as boiling will not remove the Cyanobacteria toxins. An alternative drinking water source is recommended for both humans and animals during the advisory period.
Contact with or ingestion of cyanobacteria-contaminated water can cause a range of symptoms including skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours of exposure and resolve within one to two days. Children are more susceptible, but all individuals are at risk. Pets exposed to cyanobacteria may suffer severe, potentially fatal reactions.
Weather and wind can cause algae blooms to shift locations within the lake. Therefore, the advisory will remain active until further notice. Areas of the lake where Cyanobacteria blooms are not visible remain safe for recreational activities.
For any concerns or inquiries related to cyanobacteria, residents are encouraged to contact Health Link at 811 or visit the AHS website.
