Elevated bacteria at beach on Wizard Lake prompts water quality advisory

People in the Edmonton area are being advised to avoid swimming or wading at a beach on Wizard Lake, as health testing has revealed unsafe water levels. Alberta Health Services (AHS) notified the public on Monday that it is currently unsafe to swim at the beach in Jubilee Park on Wizard Lake due to elevated bacterial levels. The AHS detected the increased bacteria levels in the water at the east side of the lake, a popular spot for boating and swimming.

The agency warned that ingesting the water could lead to gastrointestinal illness, and there is also a risk of skin, ear, and eye infections from water contact. The source of the bacteria and whether the advisory extends to other areas of the lake south of Edmonton in Leduc County remains unknown. Until further notice, AHS advises against drinking or cooking with untreated water from any body of water in Alberta, including Wizard Lake, due to potential water-borne organisms such as fecal bacteria, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The advisory will remain in effect until further notice.