Three Mile Bend being tested for blue-green algae

Aug 17, 2019 | 10:48 AM

(Red Deer, Alberta) – Due to the potential for blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) in one of the ponds at Three Mile Bend, The City of Red Deer is asking the public to use caution when in that area. The City sent samples of the water for testing and results are anticipated to come back in two to three weeks.

As a precaution, signs have been posted around the water body currently being tested in Three Mile Bend advising residents and their pets to avoid contact with the pond. Currently, there are no reports of blue-green algae blooms elsewhere in the city.

While the signs are in place residents should:

• Avoid all contact with algal blooms. If contact occurs, wash with clean water as soon as possible.

• Do not swim or wade (or allow your pets to swim or wade) in any areas where algae is visible.

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• Do not feed whole fish or fish trimmings from this pond to your pets.

• Consider limiting human consumption of whole fish and fish trimmings from the pond, as it is known that fish may store toxins in their liver.

• As always, never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any pond or lake at any time. Boiling pond or lake water will not remove the toxins produced by blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). An alternate source of drinking water should be provided for pets as well.

Blue-green algae forms in water that is shallow, warm and slow-moving or still. It grows mostly in summer months and can contain the cyanobacterial toxins, which are poisonous.

If you suspect a problem related to blue-green algae or if you require further information on health concerns and blue-green algae, please call Health Link at 811. Additional information is also available online at www.ahs.ca/bga.

To report a blue-green algae bloom in the city, please contact The City’s Parks Department at (403) 342-8234.

by The City of Red Deer

Three Mile Bend being tested for blue-green algae

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