Alberta Health Services issues blue-green algae advisory for Moonshine Lake
The advisory warns that cyanobacteria can appear in several colours and forms, and remains in effect until further notice.
Why it matters
The advisory affects how residents and visitors can safely use Moonshine Lake for recreation, drinking and fishing this summer.
Alberta Health Services has issued a health advisory after blue-green algae blooms were found in Moonshine Lake. The naturally occurring cyanobacteria are common in warm weather and can appear blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, pink or red, sometimes resembling scum, streaks, grass clippings, fuzz balls, paint or pea soup, and often smelling musty or grassy.
AHS is advising people not to swim or wade where blooms are visible, to avoid contact with algae in the water or washed up on shore, and to wash with clean tap water if contact occurs. Residents should not drink or cook with lake water, and should avoid eating whole fish or fish trimmings, since toxins can accumulate in fish livers; fillets carry fewer toxins and are considered safer.
Pets should be kept away from affected water and not given whole fish or trimmings, as exposure can be fatal to animals. People who contact or ingest contaminated water may experience skin irritation, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea within one to three hours, with symptoms typically resolving in one to two days; children often experience more pronounced symptoms.
The advisory will remain in effect until further notice, though areas of the lake without visible blooms can still be used for recreation. Anyone with concerns can contact Health Link at 811 for more information.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.