LAC LA BICHE - While Alberta Health Services has confirmed that fecal bacteria present in the water near Campers' Beach at Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park is not from a human source, health officials have yet to determined the exact cause of the on-going advisory.
Dr. Kathryn Koliaska, the Medical officer of health for the Alberta Health Services (AHS) North Zone, was askdd if the bacteria could be from birds in the area.
“We have not been able to confirm that the fecal bacteria, known scientifically as Enterococcus, came from birds,” Koliaska said. “However, through regular monitoring, it has been noted that there is a large population of bird wildlife present on the beach as well as in the water.”
The water quality advisory issued was issued at the end of June, and remains in place until further notice.
Koliaska explained that over the past month, AHS health inspectors have been working closely with Alberta Parks and private contractors in the area, and will continue to do so for the purpose of monitoring water samples. She went on to say that AHS follows recreational water quality benchmarks when monitoring open water at priority recreation areas such as beaches and lakes throughout the province.
“These priority areas are selected based on public usage and water quality history,” she stated. “Water quality benchmarks are in place to measure safe water quality and to protect the public’s health.”
There are certain criteria for issuing health advisories for particular recreation areas. These occur when water quality samples exceed benchmaks set for bacteria content. The advisories can include a wide-range of categories, including blue-green algae outbreaks on water surfaces.
“All of the advisories we issue are listed on the AHS website,” Koliaska said, adding that health officials work closely with municipalities and other stakeholders to inform residents and visitors about advisories. “We also work with the respective municipality and beach operators to post advisory signage at recreation areas."
The Lac La Biche Region has a global distinction of being an Important Birding Area. The region is home to many species of birds and is part of global migratory patterns of many birds. Cormorants, pelicans and several species of gulls and terns call the area home over the summer months.
