Is the water quality in the river safe for swimming?
This is a difficult question to answer with certainty. Although Alberta is making good progress in treating industrial and municipal wastes, particularly in large urban areas, there will always be some degree of uncertainty caused by the potential presence of untreated wastes (for example, storm sewer outflows) or other sources, such as livestock/wildlife feces. In pristine areas the risk is likely less, and this pattern tends to be borne out by the results of water quality testing. However, no agency has complete or continuous information on all rivers, and so individuals, must assume all risk for decisions made. Check with your regional health authority to find out if immunization shots are recommended for your area.
