AHS issues blue-green algae, fecal bacteria at Lac La Biche Lake

Two AHS advisories have been issued for Lac La Biche Lake in recent days.

First, a blue-green algae notice was put out, identifying cyanobacteria in the waters of the lake. Now, elevated levels of fecal bacteria are currently present in the water of Golden Sands Beach on the lake as well. AHS is advising the public not to swim or wade at this beach area, effective immediately. 

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 that 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 Lac La Biche 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 is naturally occurring, and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm. Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of water, cyanobacteria can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.