Alberta Health Services says the water quality advisory issued for Big Lake nearly three months ago remains in place due to the continued presence of fecal bacteria.
In January, AHS issued a water quality advisory after a substantial amount of sewage leak into the water after a pipe burst. Big Lake is located in Lois Hole Centennial Provincial Park west of St. Albert.
“AHS continues to advise the public not to engage in any activities that would involve exposure to the water or shoreline of Big Lake,” the provincial health authority wrote in an April 13 news release. “Elevated levels of fecal bacteria may continue to be present at the spill site and surrounding area on the south shore. While it is currently unclear how far the run off may extend along the shoreline, the site of the spill was near Range Road 261 at Lakeshore Estates.”
“At these suspected levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water from Big Lake. As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact,” the release says.
Fish caught in Big Lake should not be eaten, AHS said.
The release says the water quality advisory will remain in place until further notice, and public health inspectors are monitoring the situation.
“Anyone with questions or concerns about this incident in particular, or the water in their area in general, can reach out to the Environmental Public Health team: ahs.ca/eph or call 1-833-476-4743.”
