AHS issues two water quality advisories near Milk River amid warm weekend weather
With sunny mid-20s temperatures expected this weekend, Alberta Health Services is urging caution at two popular swimming spots near Lethbridge.
Why it matters
The advisories affect two popular summer recreation spots just as warm, dry weather is expected to draw more visitors to the water.
Alberta Health Services has issued water quality advisories for two sites in the Lethbridge region as warm, dry weather draws people outdoors this weekend. At Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, elevated bacteria levels have been detected near the beach along the Milk River, prompting warnings about possible skin, ear and eye infections from contact with the water, along with gastrointestinal illness such as vomiting and diarrhea if the water is swallowed.
A second advisory covers the Milk River Reservoir south of Raymond, where blue-green algae has been found forming along the shoreline. AHS is strongly discouraging swimming or wading in the reservoir, noting that the algae blooms can produce toxins harmful to both people and pets.
Both advisories remain in effect until further notice, with no set date for reassessment. AHS has not indicated when water testing will next occur at either location.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.