(Orleans)– We told you in our newscasts Tuesday about a massive algae bloom taking place on Big Spirit Lake and some other lakes in the area. Now, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources says the level of bacteria at Crandall’s Beach on the north shore of Big Spirit Lake is literally off the charts.
Tests that were conducted last week indicated the water there had 100 times the amount of E-Coli bacteria than what’s required to trigger swimming advisories. Samples taken from that area contained more than 24,000 viable bacteria in less than half a cup of lake water. Daniel Kendall, the DNR’s lake and beach monitoring coordinator, says it maxed out their test kit. He says it’s the first time this year that’s happened.
Additional testing is scheduled for today (Wed.). In the meantime people and pets should not go into the water there.
