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Buffalo Lake at Rochon Sands (Google Maps)
still in effect at Gull Lake

AHS lifts water advisory at Buffalo Lake

Sep 3, 2020 | 11:30 AM

A water quality advisory for Buffalo Lake at Rochon Sands has been rescinded, AHS said Thursday.

The advisory was issued July 31 due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria.

“Water quality has returned to an acceptable level and the health risk is low for usage of the beach for recreational purposes,” a release states. “As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir, at any time.”

Alberta Health Services also issued an identical water advisory on July 31 for Gull Lake at Aspen Beach. It remains in effect.

“This means we haven’t received a satisfactory water sampling result, which is two negative samples in two consecutive weeks,” a spokesperson for the health authority says.

“During the summer months in bodies of water where there are advisories, we test weekly. That will likely be ending soon as we are now into September, as is our usual practice. If we do receive a satisfactory result before the testing ends then we will rescind the advisory.”

Visitors to Aspen Beach should not wade or swim there. Doing so may put one at risk for gastrointestinal illness and possible infections of the skin, ears and eyes. Water-borne organisms can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

The cause of both advisories remains unknown.