PIGEON LAKE – Alberta Health Services (AHS) has issued a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) advisory for Pigeon Lake, located between Leduc County and the County of Wetaskiwin, after the presence of cyanobacteria was confirmed in the lake’s waters.
Residents and visitors are advised to take the following precautions:
- Avoid all contact with visible blue-green algae blooms. If contact occurs, wash skin with tap water immediately.
- Do not swim or wade — and keep pets from doing so — in areas where algae is visible.
- Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this lake to pets.
- Limit consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings, as toxins can accumulate in the liver. Fish fillets can still be safely consumed.
- Never drink or cook with untreated lake water, even if boiled. Provide alternate water for pets and livestock.
What to Watch For:
Blue-green algae may appear as scum, grass clippings, fuzz, or globs on the water surface and may be blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, or pinkish-red. It often has a musty or grassy odor.
For health-related questions or to report a potential issue, contact Health Link at 811. More information is available at ahs.ca/bga.