Water quality advisory updated for Sturgeon River

ST. ALBERT – Due to elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria, Alberta Health Services (AHS) continues to remind the public not to swim, or wade in parts of the Sturgeon River.

This advisory has been updated to include only the Rivercrest area of the river, near Benoit Bridge. The advisory has been lifted 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 was originally put in place due to run-off that entered the river after a pipeline carrying wastewater began leaking sewage. Ongoing water sample results from areas of the river indicate that the effects of the wastewater run-off have dissipated, however the area around Rivercrest has been determined to have elevated levels of fecal bacteria.

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. 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: 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.