(Dreamstime)

By David Opinko

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

Aug 24, 2021 | 11:48 AM

COUNTY OF WARNER, AB – Residents and recreators in the Milk River area are asked to take precautions when it comes to the reservoir.

Alberta Health Services has issued a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) advisory for the Milk River Ridge Reservoir, Ridge Park Beach, in the County of Warner.

Blue-green algae is naturally occurring and often appears like scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of the water. Those who come into contact with it or ingest it can 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. Symptoms in children are often more pronounced; however, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.

People are being asked to take the following precautions:

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 27, 2024

Sep 27, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: September 20, 2024

Sep 20, 2024

What's Happening in Lethbridge this weekend: August 30, 2024

Aug 30, 2024

• Avoid all contact with blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) 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 blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) is visible.
• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this reservoir to your pets.
• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from this reservoir, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver. (People can safely consume fish fillets from this reservoir).

People are being reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water.