Rainfall Revives Minnedosa Lake, Clearing Algae Crisis Now

URGENT UPDATE: Recent rainfall has dramatically rejuvenated Minnedosa Lake, eliminating a harmful algae bloom that plagued the area since late July. This refreshing change comes after approximately 104 millimetres of rain fell upstream, providing much-needed relief to both the local ecosystem and businesses dependent on the lake.

Officials from the Town of Minnedosa issued an algae advisory last month due to unusually dry conditions that led to a significant algae outbreak. Barry McPhail, a member of the Friends of Lake Minnedosa, stated, “After the rain, the water is flowing through the lake and it’s much, much better. There’s no doubt the rain helped a lot, and it’s just refreshed the whole lake up.”

The algae crisis had a direct impact on local businesses. The co-owner of Splish Splash Water Park, Connor Champagne, reported that the algae conditions forced the park to shut down its inflatable attractions for two days at the end of July. “The algae advisory had slowed down tourism earlier this month,” Champagne explained. “But now that the conditions have improved, I expect a return to normal traffic this weekend.”

Following a series of rain showers throughout early August, including over 29 millimetres on August 6 and nearly 35 millimetres on August 8, McPhail noted a significant improvement in the lake’s quality. “The water is significantly better,” he affirmed, emphasizing the importance of a consistent flow of clean water for the lake’s health.

With the algae crisis behind them, local businesses are eager to attract visitors back. Champagne is actively using social media to inform the community, stating, “I think the word is finally starting to get out. We’re trying to post on Facebook as much as possible to let people know.”

The rainfall not only raised the lake’s water level but also improved water cycling, promoting a healthier environment for both residents and wildlife. McPhail pointed out that the Little Saskatchewan River plays a critical role in maintaining the lake’s cleanliness.

As the region moves forward, local authorities and businesses remain vigilant, ensuring that the lake remains a safe and enjoyable destination for all. With the algae advisory lifted, this weekend marks a hopeful resurgence for the community, as families and tourists are expected to flock back to Minnedosa Lake and the water park.

Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops.