MPCA Issues Warning About Blue Green Algae on Minnesota Waters

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency says many lakes could see significant algae blooms by the 4th of July.

Lee Engel, a surface water monitoring supervisor for the MPCA, says conditions are suitable for many Minnesota Lakes to have toxic blue-green algae.

“With the wet spring we’ve had and nutrients potentially entering the lake and then rising temperatures as we move into mid summer we know and we’ve seen over time blooms will start popping up any time from now all the way through late summer.”

He says the MPCA has already had a few calls to look at some lakes in the Twin Cities. Blue-green algae is a problem because it can make people and pets sick and out-competes other algae dominating a lake. Engel says a lake can look fine one day and be uninhabitable the next.

“They can occur very rapidly like you may notice them starting to form in a day and then by the next day the lakes very green.”

He says if the water doesn’t look right, don’t go in.

“General kind of slogan is when in doubt stay out and it may mean choosing a different lake.”

The MPCA advises people to stay out of lakes and streams if the water looks green and slimy, especially if it has a blue-green tint. The algae could contain toxic bacteria that can sicken people and kill dogs, livestock, and other animals within hours of contact. Officials say you can’t tell if it is harmful by looking at an algae bloom.

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