BARRHEAD – The County of Barrhead advised that Alberta Health Services has issued a blue-green algae (Cyanobacteria) advisory for Thunder Lake on July 22.
“Weather in wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another,” said Alberta Health Services in their release.
“As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Thunder Lake until further notice.”
Blue-green algae look like scum or grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of the water.
It has a musty or grassy smell and can be different colours, including blue-green, greenish brown, brown, or pinkish-red.
Alberta Health Services advises that precautions be taken to any visitors to Thunder Lake.
People should avoid all contact with blue-green algae.
If someone gets in contact with the blue-green algae, it is advised to wash the area with tap water as quickly as possible.
Swimming and wading in waters with visible blue green algae are not advised.
Do not let your pets swim or wade in the water.
Whole fish or fish trimmings from Thunder Lake with blue-green algae present should not be given to pets as per Alberta Health Services.
People should consider reducing their consumption of whole fish or fish trimmings from Thunder Lake during the advisory timeline.
Fish in the lake can store the toxins produced by blue-green algae in their livers.
Drinking or cooking with untreated water from any recreational water body, including Thunder, is to be avoided.
Boiling this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae, according to Alberta Health Services.
Symptoms of contact and or ingestion of blue-green algae can include skin irritation, rashes, sore throat, sore, red, swollen eyes, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that appear in one to three days.
These symptoms can resolve themselves in one to two days, according to Alberta Health Services.
Children can have more severe symptoms.
Pet exposure to blue-green algae can be fatal.
More Alberta Health Services information is online www.ahs.ca/bga
If blue-green algae problems occur, call Health Link at 811.
