Hot weather with accumulated nutrients equals blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms in bodies of water all across the state.
NORTH DAKOTA (KXNET) — Hot weather with accumulated nutrients equals blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) blooms in bodies of water all across the state.
According to the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ), people should be aware of blue-green algae because they cause Harmful Algal Blooms, which produce toxins in the water (cyanotoxins).
The NDDEQ will respond to reported blooms and test the water for toxins, and if toxins are at an unsafe level, they will issue public advisories and warnings.
People who swallow or come into contact with cyanotoxin water can get sick with diarrhea and vomiting, or experience numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, dizziness, rashes, hives, and skin blisters. Kids and pets are at a higher risk than adults because of their smaller size.
Pets and livestock can also suffer from health effects, including death.
There are no antidotes for cyanotoxins.
There are three things you should do if you see blue-green algae: Know It. Avoid It. Report It.
Blue-green algae looks like grass clippings floating in the water, clumps/puffballs, or green cottage cheese. It makes the water look like spilled green paint or green pea soup.
In order to avoid it, you should respect advisories and warnings, you can find those here. You can also sign up for text alerts for advisories.
You should never swim, water ski, or boat in those areas, nor should you let pets swim in or drink the water either.
If you or your pet do swim in the water, rinse off right away with fresh water.
You also shouldn’t irrigate lawns with a pond or lake water that looks scummy or has a foul odor.
To report it, you can call NDDEQ at (701) 328-5210 or online. Because it takes time to receive results, it’s best to avoid the water.
In the end, you should enjoy a safe day on the water. When in doubt, stay out.