Blue-green algae spotted in parts of Thunder Lake

Alberta Health Services (AHS) advises that a blue-green algae bloom has been identified in parts of Thunder Lake, which is located about a 30-minute drive west of Barrhead. 

Blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, is naturally-occurring and is often visible when weather conditions are calm. It appears to be scum, grass clippings or fuzz on the surface of the water. 

In spite of the name, cyanobacteria can also be greenish-brown, brown or pinkish-red in appearance, and also smells musty or grassy. 

Human contact with visible blue-green algae or the ingestion of water containing the algae can result in skin irritation, rashes, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. 

Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days, though symptoms in children are usually more pronounced. 

As such, AHS advises residents who live near Thunder Lake and other visitors to avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms and not to swim or wade in any areas where blue-green algae can be seen. This advice goes for pets as well. 

As always, AHS advises never to drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Thunder Lake. Boiling the water will not remove the toxins from blue-green algae. 

Also, because fish can store the toxins from blue-green algae in their liver, human consumption of fish or fish trimmings from Thunder Lake should be limited, and pets should not be allowed to consume any fish from the lake at all. 

Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one area of the lake to another, so this advisory will remain in effect for Thunder Lake until AHS deems to lift it. 

That said, areas of Thunder Lake where the algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even with this advisory in effect. 

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or if you require further information on related health concerns, call Health Link at 811 or visit the Alberta Health Services website.

Kevin Berger, TownandCountryToday.com