Water quality advisory issued for Alberta Beach

Alberta Beach in an undated photo. (CTV News Edmonton)

Provincial health officials are asking people not to swim or wade in the water at a beach northwest of Edmonton.

Alberta Health Services said in a media release Wednesday afternoon elevated levels of bacteria has led the agency to ask beach users to refrain from swimming or wading in the water at Alberta Beach on Lac Ste. Anne.

It said testing of the lake water at the beach showed the elevated levels, and that ingesting it could lead to gastrointestinal illness and coming into contact with it could result in skin, ear and eye infections.

The advisory is in effect until further notice.

Alberta Beach is on the southeastern shore of Lac Ste. Anne, about 40 kilometres northwest of the Edmonton city limit.

The health agency also said drinking or cooking with untreated water from lakes or streams at any time is risky as water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.