Alberta Health Services warns of cyanobacterial bloom at Matchayaw Lake west of Edmonton
Cyanobacteria with toxins detected in the water 60 km west of Edmonton; avoid swimming, wading, and consuming fish or water from the lake.
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Alberta Health Services issued a cyanobacterial bloom advisory Tuesday for Matchayaw (Devil's) Lake, approximately 60 km west of Edmonton, after identifying blue-green algae and toxins in the water.
Residents and visitors are advised to avoid swimming or wading in areas where cyanobacterial blooms are visible. Direct contact with blooms should be avoided, and anyone exposed should wash with clean tap water immediately. Drinking or cooking with water from the lake is prohibited.
Cyanobacterial blooms can appear blue-green, greenish-brown, brown, pink or red, resembling scum, streaks, grass clippings, fuzz balls, paint or pea soup. They often smell musty or grassy. People exposed to blooms or who ingest contaminated water may experience skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea within one to three hours, with symptoms typically resolving within one to two days. Children's symptoms are often more pronounced.
Respecting fish consumption: do not eat whole fish or fish trimmings from the lake as fish may store toxins in their liver. Fish fillets contain fewer toxins and are safer to eat. Pets should be kept away from the water entirely, including areas with visible blooms, and should not be fed whole fish or trimmings from the lake. Cyanobacteria exposure may be fatal to pets.
Alberta Health Services emphasizes that boiling water will not remove cyanobacterial toxins. Anyone with health concerns related to cyanobacteria exposure should call Health Link at 811.
The facts
Where is Matchayaw Lake and when was the cyanobacterial bloom advisory issued?
Matchayaw Lake is approximately 60 km west of Edmonton. Alberta Health Services issued the advisory on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, after identifying blue-green algae and toxins in the water.
What should you avoid doing at Matchayaw Lake?
Avoid swimming or wading where cyanobacterial blooms are visible, avoid direct contact with blooms, and do not drink or cook with water from the lake.
What are the symptoms of cyanobacteria exposure?
Symptoms may include skin irritation, rash, sore throat, sore red eyes, swollen lips, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, typically appearing within one to three hours and resolving within one to two days. Children's symptoms are often more severe.
Is it safe to eat fish from Matchayaw Lake?
Do not eat whole fish or fish trimmings from Matchayaw Lake, as fish may store toxins in their liver. Fish fillets contain fewer toxins and are safer to eat.
