Stock photo of blue-green algae. (Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

Blue-green algae bloom advisory issued for Milk River Ridge Reservoir

Sep 14, 2020 | 5:39 PM

COUNTY OF WARNER, AB – Residents of the County of Warner are being advised that blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) has been identified in the Milk River Ridge Reservoir.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says those living near the shores of the reservoir or who are recreating near it are asked to take the following precautions:

• Avoid all contact with blue-green algae. If contact occurs, wash with tap water as soon as possible
• Do not swim or wade in areas where blue-green algae is visible
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this reservoir to humans or pets

As usual, people are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water at any time.

Boiling water that has blue-green algae will not remove the toxins produced by it.

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“Blue-green algae is naturally occurring, and often becomes visible when weather conditions are calm, reads an advisory from AHS. “Appearing like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, blue-green algae can be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, and/or pinkish-red, and often smell musty or grassy.”

Those who come into contact with blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea. Symptoms usually appear within one to three hours and resolve in one to two days.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online, at www.ahs.ca/bga.