The water quality advisory for Sturgeon River has been updated after 5 months of dispersion of a sewage spill.
The advisory has been updated to only include the Rivercrest area of the river, near Benoit Bridge. The advisory has been lifted for the area of the river northeast of the Ray Gibbon Drive bridge downstream, near and in St. Albert.
The advisory was put into place because of run-off from a pipeline leaking sewage.
New water samples taken from various areas of the river have indicated that the effects of the wastewater run-off have dissipated throughout the river, but the area around Rivercrest has still been determined to have “elevated levels of fecal bacteria”.
Visitors to the Rivercrest area of Sturgeon River are reminded not to consume fish or water from that area, even if it’s been treated. Don’t swim or wade in the affected areas. People using boats, including kayaks and canoes, are encouraged to avoid as much contact with the river as possible, rinsing off after any recreational activity and washing your hands thoroughly as soon as possible.
“At these levels, gastrointestinal illness may result from ingestion of the water,” said Alberta Health Services in a news release. “As well, there is the possibility of skin, ear and eye infections with water contact.”
Residents are reminded to never drink or cook with untreated water directly from any river. Water-borne organisms are linked to vomiting and diarrhea.
