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Respect our lakes : cyanobacteria (blue-green algae)

Description

This brochure provides information on blue-green algal blooms, how they affect the water quality of a lake, and what lake users should do to protect the health of themselves, their families, and... More ≫

Description

This brochure provides information on blue-green algal blooms, how they affect the water quality of a lake, and what lake users should do to protect the health of themselves, their families, and their pets if a bloom is present in their lake.

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Alberta safe beach protocol

Description

The Safe Beach Protocol was prepared to provide Albertans with a clear understanding of the management of recreational waters in the province. It provides information on the role of owners and... More ≫

Description

The Safe Beach Protocol was prepared to provide Albertans with a clear understanding of the management of recreational waters in the province. It provides information on the role of owners and operators in overseeing these sites, monitoring water quality and responding to health risks, with the support and commitment of provincial agencies. The information in this document may be of interest to policy makers, researchers, public health professionals, or members of the public who are interested in recreational water sites (beaches).

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Respect our lakes : cyanobacterial (blue-green algae) blooms

Description

Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are well adapted to growth in alkaline, nutrient-rich water bodies. During calm conditions, they can congregate near the water’s surface. These... More ≫

Description

Cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae, are well adapted to growth in alkaline, nutrient-rich water bodies. During calm conditions, they can congregate near the water’s surface. These “blooms” are unsightly and produce objectionable odors, and can also induce skin irritation, itchiness and severe rashes upon contact. This pamphlet provides more information on the risks posed by cyanobacteria and steps to take to protect against possible harmful effects.

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North Saskatchewan regional plan : lake paleolimnology survey

Description

Pigeon and Wabamun Lakes are among the most heavily used recreational lakes in Alberta. Recently, apparent increases in algal blooms and fish kills have threatened the ecological integrity of... More ≫

Description

Pigeon and Wabamun Lakes are among the most heavily used recreational lakes in Alberta. Recently, apparent increases in algal blooms and fish kills have threatened the ecological integrity of these systems and may negatively affect their value to users. Limnological studies for the lakes are limited to the past 35 years, leading to uncertainty about the degree to which water quality has changed due to human activities. This study was initiated to fill this information gap from historical limnological data preserved in lake sediments. To better understand how to effectively manage cumulative impacts on the lakes, it is necessary to understand conditions in the lakes prior to development. Knowing these pre-development conditions will assist in setting reasonable and achievable goals for lake management.

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2013 overview of Pigeon Lake water quality, sediment quality, and nonfish biota

Description

Severe cyanobacterial blooms in Pigeon Lake led to an increased concern about the lake's water quality. In order to better understand the ecology and chemistry of the lake and all the factors that... More ≫

Description

Severe cyanobacterial blooms in Pigeon Lake led to an increased concern about the lake's water quality. In order to better understand the ecology and chemistry of the lake and all the factors that may affect its water quality, an enhanced lake and watershed monitoring program was initiated in 2012 and expanded in 2013. Data was collected to provide insight into potential causes of blooms, to develop a nutrient budget in order to partition phosphorus sources in the watershed and to objectively evaluate what management approaches may be most appropriate for improving the water quality in the lake. This report provides a synopsis of all 2013 data collected.

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Pigeon Lake phosphorus budget

Description

Occurrences of significant blue-green algae blooms have resulted in stakeholders at Pigeon Lake seeking management options to assist with reducing the frequency and intensity of such events. To... More ≫

Description

Occurrences of significant blue-green algae blooms have resulted in stakeholders at Pigeon Lake seeking management options to assist with reducing the frequency and intensity of such events. To more effectively target activities, a nutrient budget was developed to identify phosphorus entering the lake from external and internal sources. The results of the study showed a relatively even split of external and internal phosphorous sources. This indicates that while watershed management efforts must be pursued, there may be merit in exploring in-lake options for controlling phosphorus release to achieve a more timely reduction of nuisance blooms in the future.

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