08/28/2026
⚠*ATTENTION* guests and residents of Lake Chaparral ⚠ : ENTEROCOCCUS
*Update to Previous Closure Notice*
Alberta Health Services (AHS) has provided further guidance regarding the water quality result received on Friday, August 28.
Based on the information communicated to LCRA on Friday, we understood that a full recreational water closure was required and acted accordingly. We have since received clarification that the appropriate measure is a SWIMMING ADVISORY, not a full recreational water closure.
The full recreational water closure has therefore been lifted. Watercraft use is permitted; however, swimming and wading remain NOT ADVISED. Yellow flags are currently flying.
*Water Quality Results*
A routine water sample was collected on Tuesday, August 25, and LCRA was notified of the unsatisfactory Enterococcus bacteria result on Friday, August 28.
The sample returned an Enterococcus result of 8,043 CCE per 100 mL.
The laboratory report states that results of 6,400 CCE per 100 mL or greater represent significant f***l contamination, regardless of the source, and the water quality is considered unacceptable.
Residents who have used the lake since August 25 and have concerns about their health, or who are experiencing gastrointestinal illness or skin, ear, or eye irritation, should contact Health Link at 811 or their healthcare provider for advice.
*Follow-Up Testing*
Follow-up sampling is scheduled for Monday, August 31. The swimming advisory will remain in effect throughout the weekend and until further notice.
We will provide an update once additional information and test results become available.
*Park & Watercraft Use*
The main park and land-based amenities remain open seven days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The Boathouse is open and watercraft use is permitted. Swimming and wading are not advised while the swimming advisory remains in effect.
We recognize that the change in information has caused confusion within the community. LCRA's decision to close the lake on Friday was based on the information communicated to us at the time and was made out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our residents. Once we received clarification regarding the appropriate advisory, we updated our operations and communications accordingly.
We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding as we respond to the information available to us and work to keep the community informed.
