Current News

Water Treatment Plant position Paper

There is an updated version of the WWMC water treatment plant position paper - please see the lake level page.

Fall Lakescape 2024

Our fall edition of our Lakescape Newsletter can be downloaded here. IT has a fresh new look and design. Included in the issue:

• The Lake Speaks - a state of the lake report from WWMC Chair Sue Styles

• The threat of invasive Himalayan Balsam and Purple Loosestrife

• Results of the bulrush restoration pilot project

• Lake water level

• Wabamun Q and A

(October 2024)

Cyanobacteria Advisory Issued

Alberta Health Services has issued a Cyanobacteria (Blue-Green Algae) Advisory for Wabamun Lake. Blooms were confirmed at the Provincial Park and at Seba Beach, resulting in a warning for the entire lake. Cyanobacteria produce toxins that can be fatal to children and pets. The advisory states that it is still safe to swim in areas that are not visibly contaminated, but caution should be used.

Wabamun lake like many other prairie lakes is naturally high in nutrient content and is therefore susceptible to increased loading from other sources including wastewater, fertilizers and animal feces. This is why the WWMC continues to promote an end to fertilizer use, proper containment of all wastewater and the restoration of shoreline vegetation to act as a nutrient filtration barrier.

For more information about cyanobacteria, go to our Blue-Green Algae page.

(August 17, 2024)

2024 Fishing Regulations

The 2024 Alberta Guide to Sportfishing Regulations has finally been published and the regulations are now in effect. No significant changes from 2023 for Wabamun Lake. But don’t take our word for it! Go to Alberta Fishing Regulations for a copy of the guide.

(July 6, 2024)

Our Gold Sponsors—We thank the following corporate members for being Gold Sponsors of the WWMC. [Click on the image to go to the respective website.] For more information about Corporate Membership, please go to our Get Involved page.

Satellite Algal Bloom Monitoring

Wabamun is one of 6 lakes in the province experimenting with the use of satellite imagery to monitor and predict the occurrence of algal blooms in Alberta lakes. The following infographic is a great summary of the Satellite Algal Bloom Monitoring Program in Alberta.

The WWMC has been helping with the sampling program. We will be sampling 3 times this summer at 30 sites on the lake on clear days when satellites can capture images of the water and its contents.

Researchers are planning to produce an app that will allow people to monitor the formation of algal blooms in real time. We will keep you updated on this exciting program.

Click on the graphic for a downloadable copy (PDF).

Can you Help the WWMC?

The Wabamun Watershed Management Council is seeking active and committed people to serve on its board of directors. If you are interested in serving with a group of engaged people who want to make a difference in how the lake is managed and conserved, download the position description for further information and how to apply.

(March 5, 2024)

Our Silver Sponsors—We thank the following corporate members for being Silver Sponsors of the WWMC. [Click on the image to go to the respective website.] For more information about Corporate Membership, please go to our Get Involved page.

2022-2023 Annual Report

The 2022-2023 WWMC Annual Report is now posted on the Annual Reports page. It provides a review of the WWMC’s many activities and milestones of the fiscal year: July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023. This fiscal year was marked by a significant organization milestone, strengthening stakeholder engagement and participation in field activities to advance lake stewardship.

(January 22, 2024)

The Wabamun Watershed Management Council has been involved with several programs to improve the health of the lake and inform lake stakeholders of the issues facing the lake and it watershed. The council is looking into Boat Launch/Recreation Management Issues, the Importance of Wetlands around the lake and misuse of natural areas by off-highway vehicles.

If you have concerns about these or other issues on the lake, contact the WWMC or come to a meeting.

For information about the current level of water in the lake, go to our Lake Water Level page.

The following are links to information about on-going WWMC programs. Click on a link to learn more about each, and how you can help.