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Toxic blue-green algae found in Cochrane Lake

COCHRANE— Alberta Health Services has issued a warning about a toxic blue-green algae bloom in Cochrane Lake. Residents living near the shore and visitors to the lake are being advised to take precautions while the advisory is in place.
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Alberta Health Services has issued a warning about a toxic blue-green algae bloom in Cochrane Lake on Tuesday (June 22). (Chelsea Kemp/The Cochrane Eagle)

COCHRANE— Alberta Health Services issued a health advisory about a toxic blue-green algae bloom in Cochrane Lake on Tuesday (June 22).

Residents living near the shore and visitors to the lake are being advised to take precautions while the advisory is in place.

Visitors should avoid all contact with the algae bloom. If contact occurs, wash the area with water as soon as possible. Do not swim or touch the water or let pets in areas where algae are visible. Limit consumption of fish from the lake as the animals may store algae toxins in their liver and do not feed fish to pets. 

“As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Cochrane Lake, at any time. Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae,” reads the press release. “An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.”

An advisory will remain in effect for Cochrane Lake until further notice.

Areas on Cochrane Lake where the blue-green algae bloom is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the health advisory is in place.

Blue-green algae are naturally occurring and look like scum, fuzz or globs on the surface of the water. The bacteria often smells musty or grassy.

Those who come in contact with the algae or ingest water containing it 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. 

Exposure to the algae can be fatal to pets.

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

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