By CHAT News Today

Blue-green algae warning issued for Bullshead Reservoir

Oct 6, 2017 | 10:11 AM

CYPRESS COUNTY, ALTA- Residents living near the Bullshead Reservoir will want to stay out of the water for a while.

A warning for blue-green algae has been issued for the reservoir. While the algae is naturally occurring, it can cause issues such as skin irritation, rashes, sore throats, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fevers, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea for those who come into contact with it.

It can appear as scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on water surfaces, being various colours. It often smells musty or grassy.

“Weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the reservoir to another,” reads the advisory.

“As such, this advisory will remain in effect for Bullshead Reservoir, until further notice.”

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The reservoir can still be used for recreation.

The following precautions are advised.

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).

Visitors and residents were reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreational body of water, including Bullshead Reservoir, at any time.

Boiling of this water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae.

An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock, while this advisory is active.