(Orleans)– Algae blooms are being reported on most of the Iowa Great Lakes as we head into the peak of the summer season. Andrew Carlson, a Fisheries Management Biologist for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, says it’s nothing out of the ordinary for this time of the year…
“It’s a very common occurrence in nutrient rich lakes in northwest Iowa. We often see blooms of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae. Even in some of our clearest bodies of water you can see that. Spirit Lake is known for its algae blooms. Nothing to be too concerned about but we do want to keep pets and small children away from the water.”
He offers this advice for swimmers…
“I would use your best judgement there. If the water is really turbid and green it’s probably not the greatest place to be swimming, but in terms of toxins for animals, that’s the primary concern.”
Carlson adds the condition can be highly impacted by the weather, especially wind…
“Oftentimes you’ll see amalgamations of cyanobacteria on the wind swept shore.”
Carlson says it’s likely to be an issue off an on through the rest of the summer.
