The Saskatchewan Health Authority has issued an advisory for Stoney Beach at Humboldt Lake due to high microcystin levels. (Humboldt Lake Resort/Facebook)

By Cam Lee

Public advisory

SHA warns public about Stoney Beach at Humboldt Lake due to microcystin levels

Aug 9, 2024 | 11:07 AM

An advisory has been issued for a local beach because of high levels of microcystin.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) revealed that Stoney Beach at Humboldt Lake has elevated microcystin levels as of July 29.

The reading was revealed on the provincial government’s Healthy Beaches page.

The Healthy Beaches FAQ page states that the toxin microcystin is produced by certain types of Blue-Green Algae or Cyanobacteria that can be produced during algal blooms and can cause serious damage to the liver when ingested.

Recreational water users should avoid areas with scums or visible algal blooms, and anyone who comes in contact with contaminated waters should shower or wash themselves immediately.

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The same is true of your pets.

According to the Saskatchewan Health Authority, pets and livestock may also be affected by cyanobacteria toxins and should not swim in or drink from affected areas. Pets should be rinsed off with clean water immediately if they encounter bloom-affected waters to remove all traces of cyanobacterial material that could accidentally be ingested.

Some of the potential hazards associated with blue-green algae contact include skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, or a rash. Swallowing water with blue-green algae toxin may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

According to the SHA, you can safely eat fish fillets in moderation from lakes with blooms. They recommend not eating whole fish and trimmings, as fish store toxins in their livers.

The Healthy Beaches site states that blooms can develop very rapidly, and conditions can change unexpectedly.

“Development of algal blooms and the presence of algal toxins may be localized to parts of a lake and therefore advisories are issued for specific beach areas rather than the whole lake,” the page states.

The sample taken July 29 has microcystin levels at 7.5 times the limit for safe swimming or other in-water recreation activities.

The Saskatchewan Health Authority said selected public swimming areas are monitored weekly and bi-weekly.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK