Elevated bacteria at beach on Wizard Lake prompts water quality advisory

People in the Edmonton area looking to cool off are being advised to avoid a local lake, as health testing has determined the water is unsafe right now.

On Monday, Alberta Health Services (AHS) said effective immediately, it’s advising the public not to swim or wade at the beach in Jubilee Park on Wizard Lake due to elevated levels of bacteria.

AHS said the elevated levels of bacteria were detected via testing of the water at the beach location on the east side of the lake that’s popular for boating and swimming.

“At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water at Wizard Lake,” AHS said, adding there is also the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.

It’s not known what kind of bacteria was detected or if the advisory applies to other areas of the lake south of Edmonton in Leduc County. If AHS provides those details, this story will be updated.

As with all other water advisories, people are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any body of water in Alberta, including Wizard Lake, at any time.

Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.