AHS has issued a blue-green algae advisory for Calling Lake after the bacteria was identified in the water.
Visitors to the lake are advised to take precautions, including: avoiding contact with algae blooms, avoiding swimming or wading in areas with visible blue-green algae, and preventing pets from eating whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake. Humans can safely consume fish fillets from the lake, although toxins may be stored in the fish's liver and caution is advised.
What is it?
Blue-green algae, formally known as Cyanobacteria, is a naturally occurring algae that can cause a variety of symptoms, including a sore throat, nausea, fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Symptoms in children may be more pronounced, although people of all ages are susceptible to the bacteria. Exposure may be fatal for pets.
The algae appears like pond scum, grass clippings, or fuzz on the surface of the water, and can appear a green-brown colour or a pinkish-red, despite the name.
While the sections of the lake without the bacteria may be used for recreational activities, wind conditions can cause the blooms to move from one area in the lake to another.
AHS also a reminder to never drink or cook with untreated water from any recreational body of water, including Calling Lake, at any time. Boiling water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobactera. An alternate source of drinking water for pets and livestock should be provided while the advisory remains active.
For more information on the bacteria, or possible health concerns from exposure, call Health Link at 811, or visit www.ahs.ca/bga.
