EDMONTON- Alberta Health Services (AHS) is warning residents and visitors that blue-green algae are currently present in the waters of Lac Ste. Anne.
As a result, people are being asked to take a few precautions.
People and pets are not to drink water from the lake. Boiling contaminated water does not remove toxins from the water.
AHS says people and pets are not to swim or wade in the water. People are also being asked to limit the amount of fish they consume from the lake.
Blue-green algae produce a poison that can cause serious illness to animals or humans who drink or have skin contact with water containing this toxin.
People who come in contact with or ingest water containing toxic blue-green algae may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea.
People who suspect a problem related to blue-green algae are advised to call Health Link Alberta at 1-866-408-LINK (5465).
Earlier this week, AHS also issued blue-green algae advisories for Pigeon Lake and Lac La Nonne.
Lac Ste. Anne is located about 100 kilometres northwest of Edmonton.