WILLMAR Minn. - What appears to be a severe blue-green algae bloom was reported Wednesday occurring on the west side of Diamond Lake in Kandiyohi County, according to a Minnesota Pollution Control Agency spokesperson.
Recent high temperatures coupled with rainfall rashing excess nutrients into the water may be combining to create harmful blue-green algae in lakes. This type of algae can harm pets, livestock and even people, according to the MPCA.
Not all blue-green algae are toxic, but there is no visual way to predict whether a blue-green algae bloom contains toxins and is harmful to animals or humans.
Harmful blooms often look like pea soup, green paint or floating mats of scum, and they often have a bad odor.
Humans are rarely affected, probably because the unpleasant odor and appearance of a blue-green algal bloom tend to keep us out of the water. However, swimming in water with an algae bloom may cause skin rash, hives, runny nose, irritated eyes and/or throat irritation.
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Swallowing water with an algae bloom may cause vomiting, diarrhea or nausea; headache, throat irritation, or muscle pain.
Dogs are at particular risk as they wade in shoreline areas where algae may accumulate. They can suffer from seizures and convulsions from exposure to toxic blue-green algae, according to the MPCA.
The only option once a bloom occurs is to wait for the weather to change - significant rainfall, wind shifts, or cooler temperatures - to disrupt the algae's growth.
The best safety tip is don't swallow, swim or wade in water with blue-green algae. The MPCA also recommend keeping your pets away from the lake shoreline.
If you do come in contact with blue-green algae or if it gets on your skin, wash it off thoroughly, paying special attention to the swimsuit area.
