St. Paul County – If Stoney Lake is part of your plans, Alberta Health Services is warning residents and visitors to watch for blue-green algae.

A cyanobacterial, commonly known as blue-green algal, bloom and/or its toxins have been identified in Stoney Lake, prompting a health advisory that will remain in effect until further notice.

People are being asked not to swim or wade anywhere a bloom is visible and to avoid contact with algae in the water or washed up along the shoreline.

Pets should also be kept away from visible blooms and should not be allowed to swim in affected areas.

Don’t drink or cook with lake water

AHS says water directly from Stoney Lake should not be used for drinking or cooking. Boiling the water will not remove cyanobacterial toxins.

An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while the advisory remains in place.

Anyone fishing Stoney Lake is advised not to eat whole fish or fish trimmings, as toxins can accumulate in the liver. Fish fillets contain fewer toxins and are considered safer to eat. Whole fish and trimmings should not be fed to pets.

Cyanobacterial blooms are naturally occurring and become more common during warm weather. They can appear blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, pink or red and may look like scum, streaks, grass clippings, fuzz balls, paint or pea soup.

Because wind and weather can move blooms around the lake, conditions can change from one area to another.

AHS says portions of Stoney Lake where a bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational activities while the advisory is in place.

People who come into contact with cyanobacteria may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. AHS notes exposure can be particularly dangerous for pets.

Anyone with health concerns related to cyanobacteria can contact Health Link at 811.