Algal bloom advisory issued for Calgary’s Lake Sundance

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has released a health advisory regarding a cyanobacterial (blue-green algal) bloom in Lake Sundance, a private community lake in Calgary's southeast. Cyanobacteria are naturally occurring and these blooms are more frequent during periods of warmer weather, which are becoming longer due to climate change. AHS scientist Marc Strous explained that rising temperatures and nutrient levels in the lake create ideal conditions for these blooms.

Cyanobacterial blooms can appear in various colors, such as blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, pink, or red. They can resemble scum, streaks, grass clippings, fuzz balls, paint, or pea soup, and often emit a musty or grassy smell. AHS advises that residents and visitors should be aware of common symptoms of contact with these blooms, including skin irritation, rash, sore throat, red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, and diarrhea.

These symptoms may appear within one to three hours of exposure and typically last for a day or two. Children are more susceptible to pronounced symptoms.

While the lake remains open for recreation, AHS recommends taking precautions such as avoiding direct contact with the lake water and not consuming any water from the lake. AHS also notes that the lingering gloomy weather in Calgary should help mitigate further bloom growth, as the bacteria will die off when sunlight is limited.