Water quality advisory issued for Camp Yowochas Beach

PARKLAND COUNTY -- Alberta Health Services has issued a water quality advisory for Camp Yowochas Beach.

According to the provincial health agency, members of the public are asked to refrain from swimming or wading at the beach effective immediately.  Camp Yowochas Beach is located on the northwestern side of Wabamun Lake, just south of Lakeshore Road.

It's noted in their advisory that elevated levels of fecal indicator bacteria were detected via testing of the lake water at this location. At the current levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water. As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.

As always, visitors and residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any lake or streams at any time. Water-borne organisms, including fecal bacteria, can cause vomiting and diarrhea.  AHS says their Environmental Public Health inspectors will continue to monitor the water at Camp Yowochas Beach.

This advisory will remain in effect until further notice.