By Scott Roblin

AHS issues blue-green algae advisory for Chin Reservoir

Oct 14, 2018 | 3:07 PM

MD OF TABER, AB – Those swimming in the Chin Reservoir are being asked to take proper precautions after a bloom of blue-green algae was found in the lake recently.

Alberta Health Services is encouraging those using the lake to avoid all contact with blue-green algae, which appears like scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the surface of the water.

Blue-green algae can cause skin irritation, rash, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, while symptoms in children are often more visible.

Pets are also discouraged from swimming or wading in areas where blue-green algae are present, and are discouraged from eating whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake.

AHS is also advising visitors to the reservoir to not drink or cook with the water, as boiling will not remove toxins that are produced from the bloom of algae.

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Areas of the Chin Reservoir where blue-green algae are not visible are still open to the public, even while the advisory is in place.

These algae blooms can move from one area of a lake to another due to weather conditions, so AHS will be implementing the algae advisory until further notice.