BAPTISTE LAKE - AHS has issued a cyanobacteria warning for Baptiste Lake after the potentially dangerous bacteria was detected in the water.
Lake goers should avoid all contact with the algae blooms, which can look like pond scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the water's surface. Despite the colloquial name — the bacteria is commonly called blue-green algae — the bacteria can also appear greenish-brown, brown, or a pinkish-red colour.
Make sure to avoid swimming or wading into the water near the bacteria, and don't allow pets near the blooms either. While the algae can cause skin irritations, rashes, sore throats, nausea and vomiting in humans, exposure to the bacteria has the potential to be fatal for pets. Symptoms typically occur within one to three hours of exposure, and tend to resolve in a day or two.
Boiling the water will not remove the bacteria, so alternate sources of drinking water are recommended for pets or livestock while the warning remains in effect.
Waters where the bacteria isn't present can still be used for recreational activities, but be warned that the blooms can travel during windy days.
Consider limiting whole fish consumption while the warning is in place, as the bacteria can be stored in the fish's liver. Avoid feeding trimmings of fish or whole fish to pets.
