Blue-green algae warning issued for 2 central Alberta lakes

The scourge of Alberta lakes is back.

A blue-green algaeadvisory has been issued for Hastings Lake and Half Moon Lake, both located about 40 kilometres southeast of Edmonton.

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• Plan underway to deal with blue-green algae in Hawrelak Lake

Alberta Health Services is advisingpeople to avoid all contact with the algae blooms and to rinse off with tap water if contact occurs.

Swimming near the blooms is also to be avoided both for people and their pets.

AHS also said pets should not be fedfish from the affected lakes, although it is safe for people to eat fish fillets from the lake.It does warn that consumption of the fish should be limited, though.

Blue-green algae occurs naturally in lakes. It often can be seen when weather conditions are calm, and looks like scum or grass clippings on the surface of the water.