Water quality advisory updated for Sturgeon River: AHS

Alberta Health Services says high levels of fecal bacteria in Sturgeon River was caused by a wastewater pipeline leak.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) lifted the water quality advisory in some parts of St. Albert’s Sturgeon River due to fecal bacteria in the water, but are still advising people to steer clear of the Rivercrest area near Benoit Bridge.

Previously, a warning was issued for the area of the river northeast of the Ray Gibbon Drive bridge due to run-off that entered the river after a pipeline carrying wastewater started leaking.

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In a release Monday, AHS said that “ongoing” water sample results now indicate that the effects of the wastewater runoff have “dissipated.”

Rivercrest, they said, is still not in the clear, with elevated levels of fecal bacteria.

AHS is reminding visitors to the Sturgeon River:

• Do not consume fish from the river or use river water for consumption, even if it’s been treated.
• Do not swim or wade (or let pets swim or wade) at the area of the river that’s still under advisory. In general, AHS said swimming recreationally in rivers “in general is not recommended.”
• Anyone using boats, kayaks or canoes should avoid as much contact with river water as possible, rinse off after any recreational activity and wash hands thoroughly afterwards.

AHS said at the level of fecal bacteria still in parts of the Sturgeon River, gastrointestinal illness after ingesting the water is likely. There’s also, it said, the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections.

AHS Public Health Inspectors are monitoring the situation. Anyone with concerns about their health should call Health Link at 811 or speak with a family doctor.

Anyone with concerns about this advisory in particular should reach out to the Environmental Public Health team or call them at 1-833-476-4743.

With files from CTV News Calgary’s Stephen Hunt