Reunion Pond Fountains

The city of Airdrie has warned against the existence of blue-green algae in the Reunion Green storm pond. To improve the water quality and ecological habitat with our community this petition is intended to lobby the city for several fountains to improve the flow of water and improve / reduce the spread of blue-green algae.

By signing this petition you are in favour of adding fountains to our local pond to reduce the existence of blue-green algae. Thank you for your time and support!

​​​​​What is blue-green algae?

Algae are a group of very small (microsc​opic) organisms which often live in Source: Ron Zurawell, Alberta Environment

Blue-green algae (also called cyanobacteria) are a type of bacteria found in many lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. These bacteria can multiply a lot in the summer, which causes extensive growths called blooms. Algae often form when conditions are calm, and they look like scum on the surface of water. The algae can be blue-green or greenish-brown and often smell musty or grassy.Source: Ron Zurawell, Alberta Environment

Some bloom-forming types of blue-green algae produce toxins. When toxic blooms die and decay, toxic chemicals may be released into the water. Most toxins are degraded within 2 weeks, but can be in the water at low levels for many months after a bloom forms. Some blooms are so bad that they cause livestock deaths. Some blooms don’t contain toxins, but you can’t tell if a bloom is harmful or not from how it looks. If you see a bloom, always take precautions as if it is toxic. 

How does blue-green algae affect human health?

Children might be more at risk for getting sick from blue-green algae because they often spend more time in the water and may swallow contaminated water by accident.

How does blue-green algae affect livestock and pets?

Although lakes are often a good source of drinking water for livestock and pets, lakes contaminated with blue-green algae can be deadly if algae toxins are present. Some illnesses and deaths of livestock and wildlife have been linked to animals drinking water containing blue-green algae. Keep animals away from natural water sources that contain algal blooms because animals aren’t concerned about how water looks or smells before they drink it. Don’t let animals eat whole fish or trimmings (any waste from filleting a fish including the head, bones, intestines, or skin) from affected lakes.

https://myhealth.alberta.ca/alberta/pages/blue-green-algae.aspx

Jarred French    Contact the author of the petition