Officials from Alberta Health Services (AHS) are issuing a Health Advisor, telling residents and visitors to avoid Hutch Lake north of High Level at this time.
Blue-Green Algae was found in Hutch Lake. (Photo/Flow North Paddling Company)
Officials say that blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, have been identified in some areas of the lake.
But, for those who still go to the lake, AHS recommends that they avoid all contact with the algae, but that if contact should occur, washing with tap water is required as soon as possible.
Also, they say not to swim or wade into any areas with the algae visible, and to not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to your pet., now should an person consume whole fish or fish trimmings themselves. But fish fillets from this lake are still good to eat.
For any campers, do not drink or cook with untreated water directly from any recreation body of water, as boiling water will not remove toxins produced by the algae. Alternate sources of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock for the duration of this advisory.
– Posted by BET
