Cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) bloom advisory issued for Astotin Lake

LAMONT – A cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) bloom and/or toxins have been identified in the waters of Astotin Lake, located in Elk Island National Park. Residents living near the shores of this lake, as well as visitors, are advised to take the following precautions:

• Do not swim or wade in any areas where cyanobacterial blooms are visible.
• Avoid all contact with cyanobacterial blooms in the water and washed up on shore. Wash with clean tap water as soon as possible if contact occurs.
• Do not drink or cook with water from this lake.
• Do not eat whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake as fish may store toxins in their liver. Fish fillets contain less toxins and are safer to eat.
• Keep pets away from the water. Do not allow pets to swim in areas where cyanobacterial blooms are visible or to contact blooms in the water or on the shore.
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pets.

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any body of water, including Astotin 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. Cyanobacterial blooms can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, pink and/or red, and can look like scum, streaks, grass clippings, fuzz balls, paint or pea soup. They 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 and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms can appear within one to three hours and 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 Astotin Lake until further notice.

Please note waters of Astotin 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.