Blue Green Algae
Aquality Environmental Consulting, Wizard Lake State of the Watershed Report, 2012. In the summers of 2011 and 2012 , the Alberta Health Services sampling program for Wizard Lake involved testing for bacteria on a weekly basis, as well as sampling and monitoring for blue-green algae presence, from June into early September.
The program showed us that lake conditions present by August long weekend, 2012, were optimum for “extension growth” of blue-green algae. Extension growth means that blue-green algae is present to such an extent that a risk to human health exists in the lake water. Fulfilling its duty to protect public health and prevent illness, AHS issued a health advisory, informing the public of risks associated with blue-green algae present in Wizard Lake.
Most blue-green algae blooms are short-lived. Lakes and other water bodies affected by blue-green algae blooms usually return to a safe state within several days of the bloom.
Wizard Lake has had safe water quality results in previous years of testing.
The program showed us that lake conditions present by August long weekend, 2012, were optimum for “extension growth” of blue-green algae. Extension growth means that blue-green algae is present to such an extent that a risk to human health exists in the lake water. Fulfilling its duty to protect public health and prevent illness, AHS issued a health advisory, informing the public of risks associated with blue-green algae present in Wizard Lake.
Most blue-green algae blooms are short-lived. Lakes and other water bodies affected by blue-green algae blooms usually return to a safe state within several days of the bloom.
Wizard Lake has had safe water quality results in previous years of testing.
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