Cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) advisory issued for Skeleton Lake

BOYLE – A cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) bloom and/or toxins have been identified in the waters of Skeleton Lake. Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors to this lake, are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with cyanobacterial blooms. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
• Do not swim or wade or allow your pets to swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacteria is visible.
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.
• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this lake, as it is known fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this lake).

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Skeleton Lake, at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria. An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.

Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring and large growths called ‘blooms’ are more common during warm weather. Appearing like scum, streaks, grass clippings, fuzz balls, paint or pea soup, cyanobacterial blooms can be blue, green, brown, pink or red, and often smell musty or grassy.

People who come in contact with a cyanobacterial bloom or who ingest water containing cyanobacteria may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms can appear within one to three hours and usually resolve in one to two days. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all people are at risk of these symptoms. Exposure to cyanobacteria may be fatal to pets.

Weather and wind conditions can cause cyanobacterial blooms to move from one location in the lake to another. As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Skeleton Lake until further notice.

Please note waters of Skeleton Lake in which the cyanobacterial bloom is NOT visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this Health Advisory is in place.

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.

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.