Water quality advisory issued for Sturgeon River

ST. ALBERT – Due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria that are present in the water of Sturgeon River, in St. Albert, in Edmonton Zone of Alberta Health Services (AHS), AHS is advising the public not to engage in any activities that would involve exposure to the water or shoreline of Sturgeon River. This advisory is specifically in place for the area of the river NE of the Ray Gibbon Drive bridge downstream in the vicinity of the city of St. Albert.

This advisory is in place due to sampling that was being performed to monitor an unintentional sewage release into the river. At the time of the sewage release, the river was frozen over and the risk to the public was extremely low.

Visitors to this area of the Sturgeon River are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not consume fish from the river and refrain from using river water for consumption, even if it’s been treated.
• Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) at the area of the river identified. Swimming recreationally in rivers in general is not recommended.
• Members of the public who are using boats, including kayaks and canoes, are encouraged to avoid as much contact with river water as possible. Rinse off after any recreational activity and wash your hands thoroughly as soon as possible.

At these levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water from the Sturgeon River. As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any river, at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.

AHS Public Health Inspectors continue to monitor the situation.

Anyone with concerns about their health is encouraged to call Health Link at 811 or speak with a family physician. Anyone with questions or concerns about this incident in particular, or the water in their area in general, can reach out to the Environmental Public Health team: www.ahs.ca/eph or call 1-833-476-4743.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.

Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.