Residents, visitors not fazed by blue-green algae advisory at Pigeon Lake

Twelve municipalities surrounding Alberta's Pigeon Lake are trying to minimise phosphorus exposure in the lake by banning fertilizer. Nav Sangha reports.

Alberta health officials issued a blue-green algae advisory for Pigeon Lake, located southwest of Edmonton near Leduc, but residents and visitors are not letting it affect their summer plans.

“We just learned to live with it. Everybody out here knows about it,” Summer Village of Sundance Beach Mayor Brian Waterhouse told CTV News Edmonton.

He said algae blooms begin every year in July and are gone by the start of October, adding that less snow and rain led to lower water levels this year, making the blooms worse with a higher concentration of phosphorus which the algae feed on.

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According to Waterhouse, the summer village houses 142 developed lots with a couple dozen of residents who live there full-time. Most of the lots are used as second homes.

“If there’s an algae bloom, don’t go in the water (and) if there’s not, enjoy it, ” Summer Village of Grandview Mayor Don Davidson said, summarizing the overall message for residents and visitors.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) said blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, is naturally occurring and you should avoid contact if you see any blooms present. Officials also warn not to swim, wade or let your pets in the water.

Pigeon Lake is surrounded by 12 municipalities, including 10 summer villages and two counties, which both Waterhouse and Davidson said are working together to limit seasonal algae growth by restricting the use of fertilizers and phosphorus in the area.

“Climate change is definitely affecting lakes and we’re hoping that we can get that under control, but that’s going to be a long-term process,” Davidson added.

On Friday, a visible coating of green scum lined the lake and shore line.

Robyn Kreutzer, and her partner Kyle, have visited the lake once a year for the past three years.

“If you’re walking in the water, just rinse off after,” Kreutzer said. “So (we’re) not terribly concerned.”

“They don’t know when you’re booking if it’s going to be bad when you come or not, so I guess it’s just a risk you take.”

James Dalton from Edmonton has been camping by the lake and said he is not worried with the precautions in place.

“The people here have done a pretty good job of making everyone aware of it. They’re giving out pamphlets with pictures of what it looks like, and we got a briefing before we set up our camp, too.”

AHS says symptoms of algae contact include skin rashes, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Officials advise if you have any concerns or suspect there is an algae problem, to call Health Link at 811 or go online for more information.

With files from CTV News Edmonton’s Nav Sangha