All Alberta blue-green algae water quality advisories lifted
Posted Nov 3, 2026 10:57 am.
Every blue-green algae water quality advisory across Alberta has now been lifted.
The presence of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, prompted Alberta Health Services to issue advisories for 39 bodies of water in the province.
Those are no longer in force, effective immediately.
“Recent weather has cooled lake and reservoir water temperatures to such an extent that cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) and water quality, including fecal bacteria levels, present a low health risk for usage of the lake for recreational purposes,” AHS said in a news release.
Cyanobacteria, often appearing as blue‑green or brown scum or streaks on a water’s surface, can produce toxins that cause rashes, sore eyes, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The microscopic organisms can be found in fresh, brackish or salt water.
People are advised not to swim where blooms are visible and never drink or cook with untreated water. Pets are especially vulnerable and exposure can be fatal.
Though algae blooms can occur in Canada at any time of year, cyanobacteria grow in warm conditions and are most common in summer or early fall.
Among the lakes under advisory were Lac La Biche, Lac Ste. Anne, Lake Sundance and Wabamun Lake.
AHS has also lifted water quality advisories for beaches such as Alberta Beach, Moose Lake Provincial Park Beach and Stoney Lake Municipal Campground Beach.
“As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir at any time,” AHS wrote. “Note that boiling water will not remove the toxins produced by cyanobacteria.
“An alternate source of drinking water should also be provided for pets and livestock any time cyanobacteria may be of concern.”
