Elevated bacteria at beach on Wizard Lake prompts water quality advisory

People in the Edmonton area seeking to cool off at Wizard Lake are being advised to stay out of the water. Alberta Health Services (AHS) issued an immediate advisory on Monday, recommending the public avoid swimming or wading at the beach in Jubilee Park due to elevated bacteria levels.

The elevated bacteria were detected during water testing at the beach on the east side of the lake, a popular spot for boating and swimming. AHS warned that ingesting the water at its current levels could result in gastrointestinal illness. Additionally, contact with the water may lead to skin, ear, and eye infections.

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At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water at Wizard Lake.

It remains unclear what specific type of bacteria was found in the water, and whether the advisory applies to other areas of Wizard Lake, located south of Edmonton in Leduc County. AHS stated that the advisory will remain in effect until further notice. Residents are also reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any Alberta water body.

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there is also the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.