End of Harmful Algal Blooms Monitoring Season in North Dakota

(North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality image)

(KNOX) – As summer winds down, the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) thanks residents, landowners, and lake users for helping monitor and report Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) this season.

NDDEQ has concluded the HABs monitoring program for the recreational season (May 1 – September 30). We urge the public to be cautious and avoid waters that look discolored, scummy, or have a foul odor. Even though temperatures are decreasing, HABs may still be present.

Blue-green algae can produce cyanotoxins which, if ingested, can cause severe health effects in both humans and dogs). Common side effects for humans exposed to water containing cyanotoxins include diarrhea, vomiting, numb lips, tingling fingers and toes, dizziness, rashes, hives, and skin blisters (CDC). Canine deaths, seizures, vomiting, and skin irritation have all been linked to these blooms. There are no known antidotes for cyanotoxins.

Blue-green algae can take many different forms. Watch for water that looks like grass clippings floating on the surface, clumps, puffballs, or green cottage cheese. Affected water may also resemble spilled green paint or pea soup and is often bright green or turquoise in color.