State Reports High Levels of Blue-Green Algae in Area Lakes

Posted: 09/30/09 12:11:11 PM

Ten lakes in Kosciusko and Whitley Counties were randomly selected for testing the first week of September for blue-green algae and the algal toxin Microcystin.  Microcystin is a toxin that is created by some types of algae called blue-green algae.  Direct contact with algal toxins can cause skin irritation. Drinking untreated water, intentionally or accidentally, may result in gastrointestinal illness and more severe liver and neurological damage. Pets and farm animals have died from drinking water containing toxic blue-green algae (or licking their wet hair/fur/ paws after they have been in the water).

What Should I Look for to Avoid Toxic Algae?

The toxic strains of blue-green algae usually have heavy surface growths of pea green colored clumps, scum or streaks, with a disagreeable odor and taste. It can have a thickness similar to motor oil and often looks like thick paint in the water.  Algae blooms usually accumulate near the shoreline where pets and children have easy access and the water is shallow and more stagnant.

While there are no U.S. standards regulating algal cell counts, the World Health Organization designates risk categories for recreational contact with water.

Relative Probability of Acute Health Effects

Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae) (cell/mL)

Microcystin (ug/L)

Low

< 20, 000

< 10

Moderate

20,000-100,000

10-20

High

100,000-10 million

20-2,000

Based on results of 10 lake samples collected in nearshore areas with current or recent algae blooms, these lakes fall into the following categories:

Kosciusko County:

Wawasee - High

James Lake (Little Tippy) - Moderate

Lake Tippecanoe - Moderate

Sawmill - Moderate

Irish - Moderate

Sechrist - Low

Webster - Low

Whitley County

Old - High

Loon - Moderate

Crooked - Moderate

If You or Your Pets are Recreating in the Lake, Take Common Sense Precautions

  • During Recreation in the water:
    • Avoid coming in contact with visible algae while swimming, jet skiing or tubing.
    • Avoid swallowing large amounts of contaminated water.
    • Recreate in groups.
    • Don't let your pet drink or swim in contaminated water.
    • If your pet does swim in the river, be sure to properly bathe your pet afterwards.
    • Always supervise children playing in or around water, as they are more likely to swallow water.
  • After recreating in the water:
    • Bathe or shower with warm, soapy water after being in water that may be contaminated.
    • Don't drink, cook or shower with contaminated water.

For more information on blue-green algae, visit Indiana's Blue-Green Algae Web site.  To read the full version of this article, go to www.telwf.org.