(Orleans)– Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources say the recent warm weather and stagnant water have combined to produce a potentially dangerous form of algae on some area lakes.
Mike Hawkins, a fisheries biologist with the DNR, tells KUOO news they’ve been getting numerous reports of blue-green algae on Center Lake. Hawkins says some of that algae has been seen making its way through waterways that drain into Hayward’s Bay on West Lake Okoboji.
Hawkins says blue green algae in some cases has been known to be toxic to both humans and livestock. He says it’s a good idea to stay out of any water where the algae is present.
Hawkins says cooler temperatures and wind should eventually alleviate the problem.
