UPDATE 07/14/2026:
Alberta Health Services has lifted the water quality advisory for the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park beach.
Officials said water quality has returned to “an acceptable level”, and the health risk is low to use the beach for recreational purposes.
However, AHS advises visitors and residents to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any river, lake or reservoir, at any time.
ORIGINAL STORY 06/15/2026:
Alberta Health Services has issued a water quality advisory for a provincial park in southern Alberta. The advisory is in place until further notice for Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
Officials said it is due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria, with AHS advising the public to avoid all exposure to the water in the Milk River at the park beach.
The elevated levels were found through testing of the river water, and officials said at current levels, gastrointestinal illness could result from ingesting the water.
There is also the possibility for skin, ear, and eye infections with water contact, according to AHS. 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 said in the notice.
“Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.”
Environmental Public Health officers for AHS will continue to monitor the water at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park.
