Alberta Health Services has announced that a bloom of cyanobacteria, commonly referred to as blue-green algae, and/or their toxins has been detected in the waters of Thunder Lake, located in Barrhead County. Residents living near the lake, as well as visitors, are advised to take the following precautions:
- Do not swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacterial blooms are visible.
- Avoid all contact with cyanobacterial blooms in the water and washed up on shore. Wash with clean tap water as soon as possible if contact occurs.
- Do not drink or cook with water from this lake.
- Do not eat whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake, as fish may store toxins in their liver. Fish fillets contain fewer toxins and are safer to eat.
- Keep pets away from the water. Do not allow pets to swim in areas where cyanobacterial blooms are visible or to contact blooms in the water or on the shore.
- Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
People who come into contact with a cyanobacterial bloom or ingest water containing cyanobacteria may experience symptoms such as skin irritation, rashes, sore throats, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms can appear within one to three hours and typically resolve within one to two days. Symptoms in children may be more severe; however, everyone is at risk. Exposure to cyanobacteria can be fatal to pets.
Weather and wind conditions can cause cyanobacterial blooms to move to different locations within the lake. Therefore, this advisory will remain in effect for Thunder Lake until further notice.
If you suspect a problem related to cyanobacteria or if you require further information on health concerns and cyanobacteria, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online at www.ahs.ca/bga.
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