By Erika Rolling

Health

Health advisory issued for Bear Lake blue-green algae bloom

Jul 15, 2022 | 5:23 PM

A blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bloom has been identified in areas of Bear Lake.

Residents living near the shores of the lake, as well as visitors are advised to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with the blue-green algae blooms. If contact does occur, wash with tap water as soon as possible.
• Do not swim or wade in water where it is visible, as well as pets.
• Do not feed pets whole fish or trimmings that have come from the lake.
• Consider limiting consumption of whole fish and trimming from this lake, as it is known they store toxins in their liver. People can still safely eat fish fillets from this lake.

Alberta Health Services reminds people to never drink or cook with water that has not been treated from any recreational body of water, including Bear Lake, at any time.

Boiling of water does not remove blue-green algae toxins and should not be given to pets or livestock while the lake is under the health advisory.

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Areas of Bear Lake in which the blue-green algae bloom is NOT visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while this blue-green algae health advisory is in place.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae, or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, call Health Link at 8-1-1.

Additional information is also available online, at www.ahs.ca/bga.