Algae bloom hits Pigeon Lake
Stay out of the water, and keep your animals away, too
Jeff Holubitsky, edmontonjournal.com
Published: 4:41 pm August 24 07
EDMONTON - Swimmers, water skiers and waders are being advised to stay out of the water at Pigeon Lake this weekend because of potentially dangerous blooms of blue-green algae.
"The tests that they could do in a short period of time shows that it is the type of blue-green algae that could produce toxins," Dr. Marcia Johnson, Capital Health's deputy medical officer of health, said today.
"Our precautions are: be respectful of intense algae blooms; don't swim or wade in the water containing the algae; don't drink the water when it is contaminated by algae; and provide an alternate source of water for your pets and livestock."
The algal blooms, common to most lakes in the region, are being monitored by Alberta Environment and were first noticed on Pigeon Lake over the last week.
Johnson said there are several strains of the algae and more tests would be needed to confirm if it is indeed the dangerous type. As a precaution, officials from both Capital Health, which is responsible for the north part of the lake, and David Thompson health region, responsible for the south, including Ma-Me-O Beach, have been posting notices warning people to stay out of the water because of the potential hazards.
The blue-green algae is responsible for the death of dozens of cattle and bison in Saskatchewan this summer, but that is because the animals, unlike humans, can drink the foul, slimy water without vomiting.
"There has never been a death of people related to blue-green algae that we're aware of," Johnson said. "It's very unlikely people would drink this not-good-tasting, smelly water."
The toxins can also be absorbed through the skin during long exposure.
Blue-green algae produces a number of different toxins in two different groups: one can affect the brain and nervous system causing death by paralysis; the other can cause serious liver and kidney damage.
"If you are a swimmer and have it on your skin, you might have skin irritation or a rash, sore throat, sore eyes, swollen lips or hay-fever-like symptoms," she said. Ingesting small amounts of the water can cause nausea, cramps, or diarrhea.
"Children may be more at risk because they tend to spend more time in the water," Johnson said.
Dan Richen, manager of David Thompson's health inspectors, said water skiers should be aware that large blooms of algae have also occurred in the middle of the lake, far from beaches.
"If people have contact with the algae, they should shower with soap and remove any of the film or residue that may be left on their skin," he said.
jholubitsky@thejournal.canwest.com
© Edmonton Journal 2007
Stay out of the water @ Pigeon Lake
I don't think anybody got the itch... before the weekend you were there Doc.
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