Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WINONA LAKE – Blue-green algae is a kind of bacteria that can produce toxins in our local lakes and can be a safety concern for summer lake-goers.
The Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams will be at work from Memorial Day through Labor Day researching 16 local lakes and providing weekly email toxin notifications to keep the community safe, according to a provided news release.
Thanks to input by lake residents, the Lilly Center will extend its algae research this year compared to previous years. Algae blooms usually develop in the later months of the summer as temperatures rise and nutrients flourish. However, the center has already received reports this spring of blue-green algae blooms in channels.
This blue-green algae, or aquatic cyanobacteria, can potentially produce microcystin. Microcystin is harmful for pets at low levels, but there is no way of knowing if the water is toxic until the water is tested. This is because algae does not always produce microcystin. However, The Lilly Center samples 16 local lakes and seven public beaches weekly; the data is available on the center’s website at lakes.grace.edu.
It is best practice for lake-goers to avoid blue-green algae blooms floating on the surface and thoroughly wash their hands if there is contact. Pets should also be washed off if they swim. It is important to not drink the water.
County residents can protect their lakes and help reduce the nutrients that cyanobacteria feed on by using phosphorus-free fertilizer and properly disposing of yard clippings. Fertilizers from lawns can wash into bodies of water, and yard clippings pushed into lakes decompose and become food for blue-green algae.
If there are algae blooms near the surface of the lake, stay out of it. It is always best practice to avoid algae blooms since toxicity can be unpredictable. The Lilly Center tests toxin concentrations frequently and releases that information every Friday.
Sign up for toxin notifications at https://forms.aweber.com/form/68/524538668.htm
The Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams at Grace College conducts research, provides resources, engages and educates residents, and collaborates with local organizations to make the lakes and streams of Kosciusko County clean, healthy, safe, and beautiful. To date, the Lilly Center has conducted scientific research on over 30 streams and 45 lakes. For more information, visit lakes.grace.edu.
