Fecal bacteria closes Sturgeon River swim spots in St. Albert
Alberta Health Services warns against water contact at three Kingswood Park locations after untreated sewage spill.
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A sewage spill has forced the closure of three swimming and recreation areas along the Sturgeon River in St. Albert's Kingswood Park.
Alberta Health Services issued an advisory Friday after detecting elevated levels of fecal bacteria and possible chemicals in the water from an unintentional release of untreated sewage. The Kingswood Boat Dock, Kingswood Park Day Loop, and the Disc Golf Course are all off-limits for water contact until further notice.
The risks are real. Ingesting the contaminated water can cause gastrointestinal illness, while even brief contact can lead to skin, ear, and eye infections. Anyone using boats, kayaks, or canoes in the area should avoid touching the water entirely and rinse off thoroughly afterward.
"At current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of this water," AHS stated in the advisory. Residents were also reminded never to drink or cook with untreated water from any lake or stream.
AHS Environmental Public Health inspectors are monitoring the affected areas. Anyone experiencing health concerns related to the spill can call Health Link 811 for guidance.
The river valley remains a major recreation hub for the region — this closure affects a popular summer corridor for St. Albert residents.