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Cyanobacterial blooms in Alberta recreational waters

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria (also referred to as blue-green algae) are common photosynthetic bacteria that live in surface waters. Under favorable conditions, such as warm water and high nutrient content, these bacteria can form nuisance “blooms”. The presence of blooms in recreational water causes unpleasant aesthetics and exposure to some toxin-producing blooms may pose potential health risks. Contact with blooms can cause skin rashes and irritation, itchy eyes, and ear infections. Inhaling water may cause allergic-like reactions, runny noses or sore throats. Ingestion of toxins can cause a range of symptoms (e.g., hepatotoxic or neurotoxic effects, and even death). There has been increased public awareness as a result of research over the past 20 years, recent monitoring efforts, and increased public education on the topic. In 2009, Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services began seasonal monitoring for cyanobacterial blooms at high use recreational beaches. In 2019, beach operators took over...

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Domestic Well Water Quality in Alberta - Trace Elements

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or... More ≫

Description

In rural Alberta, 90 per cent of people use private well water supplies for domestic use (e.g., drinking, cooking, bathing). Domestic well water systems are not regulated by the provincial or federal governments. The Government of Alberta along with Alberta Health Services (AHS) provides water chemistry testing of private well water and information and advice on safe water for domestic purposes; however, it is the responsibility of well owners to ensure the quality and safety of their water supply. Water quality may be impacted by contamination from natural sources or human activities and cause noticeable aesthetic issues or potential health concerns. Water samples are collected and submitted by well owners through local AHS sites for analysis of routine chemistry and trace element parameters. Routine chemistry testing focuses on the suitability of the water for drinking and household use with two health-related parameters. For trace elements, testing used to be conducted only when...

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Working well : clean water. Well protected [2023]

Description

These fact sheets are part of a series for the Working Well Program and are designed for private well owner education. The objectives of the program are to: advise private well owners of their... More ≫

Description

These fact sheets are part of a series for the Working Well Program and are designed for private well owner education. The objectives of the program are to: advise private well owners of their responsibility to manage and maintain their wells to ensure safe drinking water supplies; provide well owners with a basic understanding of groundwater science, how to operate and maintain water wells and how to recognize the potential impacts their land-use activities have on provincial groundwater resource; and provide the knowledge and skills needed to adopt recommended best management practices.

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Working well : clean water. Well protected [2022]

Description

These fact sheets are part of a series for the Working Well Program and are designed for private well owner education. The objectives of the program are to: advise private well owners of their... More ≫

Description

These fact sheets are part of a series for the Working Well Program and are designed for private well owner education. The objectives of the program are to: advise private well owners of their responsibility to manage and maintain their wells to ensure safe drinking water supplies; provide well owners with a basic understanding of groundwater science, how to operate and maintain water wells and how to recognize the potential impacts their land-use activities have on provincial groundwater resource; and provide the knowledge and skills needed to adopt recommended best management practices.

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Working well : clean water. Well protected [2019]

Description

These fact sheets are part of a series for the Working Well Program and are designed for private well owner education. The objectives of the program are: to advise private well owners of their... More ≫

Description

These fact sheets are part of a series for the Working Well Program and are designed for private well owner education. The objectives of the program are: to advise private well owners of their responsibility to manage and maintain their wells to ensure safe drinking water supplies; to provide them a basic understanding of groundwater science, how to operate and maintain water wells and how to recognize the potential impacts their land-use activities have on provincial groundwater resource; and to provide the knowledge and skills needed to adopt recommended best management practices.

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Noxious weeds

Description

This resource provides the conclusions and recommendations of the Nutrient Beneficial Management Practices Evaluation Project, a six-year research project (2007-2012) to evaluate nutrient... More ≫

Description

This resource provides the conclusions and recommendations of the Nutrient Beneficial Management Practices Evaluation Project, a six-year research project (2007-2012) to evaluate nutrient beneficial management practices at field and watershed scales in Alberta. Beneficial management practices are defined as conservation practices, management techniques, or social actions that minimize potential negative effects on the environment while being practical for producers to meet or exceed regulatory requirements and meet production targets.

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Beneficial management practices : environmental manual for hog producers in Alberta

Description

The purpose of the Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta is to document, for producers and society, management options that are environmentally sound,... More ≫

Description

The purpose of the Beneficial Management Practices: Environmental Manual for Hog Producers in Alberta is to document, for producers and society, management options that are environmentally sound, comply with existing regulations and are economically obtainable. These guidelines describe beneficial management practices designed to protect the environment and minimize nuisances such as odour, flies, and dust.

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Volunteer citizens' lake monitoring program (1992) : Shorncliffe, Goose and Islet Lakes

Description

The volunteer citizens' lake monitoring program was conceived in response to concerns expressed by lakeshore property owners that the water quality of their lake was deteriorating. The samples... More ≫

Description

The volunteer citizens' lake monitoring program was conceived in response to concerns expressed by lakeshore property owners that the water quality of their lake was deteriorating. The samples collected by volunteer citizens provide background information that can be used to assess future impacts, enhance existing database on lakes and reservoirs, and assess seasonal trends in algal populations.

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