Blue-green algae blooms have been recently detected in areas of Twin Valley Reservoir in Vulcan County in Southeastern Calgary. Since these toxic blooms are starting to show up in Alberta lakes, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued an advisory for residents living near the area to take necessary precautions.

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This summer, blue-green algae or cyanobacteria blooms are once again invading Alberta lakes. And since they're known to cause some harmful effects, the authorities are warning the public to stay out of the water where the algae are visible. According to Global News, AHS also warned the residents and any visitors of the lake to consider limiting their consumption of fish and fish trimmings from the lake since fish may store toxins in their liver. In addition, the agency cautioned the residents not to feed their pets with the fishes or fish trimmings from the lake.

"Boiling lake water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria)," AHS stated in an advisory. "An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock while this advisory is active."

As per AHS, exposure to water contaminated with blue-green algae can cause skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea and vomiting and/or diarrhea.

Usually, these symptoms appear one to three hours after contact but are gone in one to two days. Vulcan Advocate emphasized the aforementioned symptoms can be more pronounced in children. However, all humans are at risk of these symptoms.

Blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), which appear like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the surface of water, is naturally occurring and often smell musty or grassy. Their colors may also vary from blue-green, greenish-brown, brown or pinkish red. However, weather and wind conditions can cause algae blooms to move from one location in the lake to another.

In other news, researchers at the University of Alberta, who monitor 50 lakes and other recreational areas, now have the technology that quickly identifies the species of blue-green algae found in water samples and provides automated cell counts, CBC News reported.

"Those are what are used then to determine whether or not the World Health Organization guideline of 100,000 cells per [million] has been exceeded," biologist Rolf Vinebrooke said. "And if that's the case, then that site can then be designated for the posting of a health advisory."

Tagsblue-green algae, Cyanobacteria, Alberta, Science, Advisory