WATCH ABOVE: Blue-green algae has once again been found in many Alberta lakes. But this year, Alberta Health Services is treating the algae a little differently. Fletcher Kent has the details.
EDMONTON — The way blue-green algae advisories are issued has changed in Alberta, and the news is being celebrated by many lake users across the province.
“The change is just incredible,” said Grandview Mayor Don Davidson.
Located on the shore of Pigeon Lake, Grandview has dealt with blue-green algae in the water for years. And while residents of the summer village know the importance of blue-green algae advisories, they’ve been pushing for a change in the way they’re issued.
“With the advisories, people felt that the entire lake would be shut,” said Davidson. “Businesses were feeling the effects of it and people were just not putting their boats in and they were concerned about having their kids in the water.
“Effectively it was shutting down the lake.”
Up until this year, when blue-green algae advisories were issued, Alberta Health Services warned swimmers and boaters to stay off the lake completely. This year, the warnings are a bit different.
“Our advisories have been changed slightly to indicate that if there’s blue-green algae present, avoid the blue-green algae. If the water’s visibly clear, then enjoy yourself,” said Dr. Chris Sikora, a medical officer of health in AHS’ Edmonton Zone.
Sikora says it’s particularly important for people to avoid the blue-green algae blooms. He says the new way of issuing warnings is all about better describing health risks.
“We’re learning. As health organizations we want to be able to better nuance, to better deliver messages in a consistent way,” he said Tuesday. “We have such a short summer season and all of us do want to go out and enjoy the lakes as much as possible, but we should only do so when it’s safe.”
Just a few months into summer, Davidson says he’s already noticed a difference at Pigeon Lake.
“I walked along the shoreline and there was a couple little kids that were in swimming,” he said. “It’s been an incredible change, I think, for all Alberta lakes.”
Sikora says AHS regularly inspects Alberta beach sites for blue-green algae. He encourages anyone swimming in Alberta lakes to thoroughly rinse off after getting out of the water.
For more information on blue-green algae advisories, visit Alberta Health Service’s website.
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