If you are planning to venture out to Newell County for the long weekend, Alberta Health Services (AHS) is advising caution at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park.
The park is south of Brooks off Highway 873. AHS has issued a water quality advisory due to elevated levels of fecal bacteria currently in the water.
Visitors and camping enthusiasts are asked not to swim or wade in the beach area.
Officials say elevated levels of fecal bacteria were detected via testing of the lake water at the beach location. AHS says at its current levels, gastrointestinal illness could occur due to ingestion of the water at the provincial park. Additionally, officials say there is the chance for skin, ear and eye infections caused by contact with the water.
Visitors and residents are reminded to never cook with or drink untreated water directly from any lake or reservoir at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
AHS Environmental Public Health officers will continue to monitor the water.
The advisory will stay in effect until further notice. Health advisory updates are available via the AHS website.
