AHS issues blue-green algae warning for Calling Lake

Calling Lake, Alberta. (Dave Mitchell/CTV News Edmonton)

Visitors to Calling Lake in northern Alberta are advised to keep an eye out for blue-green algae.

Exposure to blue-green algae can cause skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It can be fatal to pets.

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Blue-green algae can look like scum, grass clippings, fuzz or globs on the water’s surface and appear blue-green, greenish-brown, brown or pinkish-red and often smell musty or grassy.

Alberta Health Services advises to avoid all contact with blue-green algae blooms and to wash with tap water immediately if contact occurs.

Do not swim or wade or allow pets to do so in any areas where blue-green algae is visible.

Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from the lake. Feeding whole fish or fish trimmings to pets can be fatal. Fish filets from the lake are still safe for human consumption.

Waters of Calling Lake in which blue-green algae is not visible can still be used for recreational purposes, even while the health advisory is in place.

Calling Lake is about 180 kilometres north of Edmonton and is part of Calling Lake Provincial Park.