The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is helping shed some light on what they're calling a statewide algae threat.
As Minnesota's lake season heats up, so does the risk of blue-green algae blooms, a common bacterium capable of harming people and pets.
These blooms are often intensified by warm weather, and with the recent high temperatures across the state, the MPCA's Lee Engle says it's important to take proactive measures.
"If the lake doesn't look good or kind of pea soup green, you may want to just choose a different place to recreate either go to a different lake, maybe do a pool day," Engle says. "But you probably don't want to recreate in that specific water body if you have that really green appearance of the water."
He says property owners can significantly reduce this threat by managing runoff, using eco-friendly fertilizers, and maintaining healthy shorelines. It's more prevalant in southern and western Minnesota where there tend to be more phosphorus pollution fueling algae growth.
But the threat is real. In some cases, the algae can be toxic, especially as hot weather continues.
"Recently, in the past few weeks, we have had very warm air temperatures and we have had numerous large rain events across the state," said Engle. "So I wouldn't be surprised if we do see a number of blue-green algae blooms here as we move into the latter part of the summer."
He adds that it can be just as important to keeps pets away from water with active blooms. Pets, especially dogs, are susceptible to harmful algae because they are relatively small and tend to swallow more water while swimming and playing.
The MPCA is asking the public help to track the problem by emailing photos of suspected harmful algae blooms to algae.mpca@state.mn.us. You can also report algal blooms with EPA’s bloomWatch app.
TIPS:
- Reduce urban stormwater runoff with rain gardens, rain barrels, and fewer impervious surfaces.
- Use phosphorus-free lawn fertilizer, keep grass clippings and other yard waste out of storm drains, and pick up pet waste.
- Build soil health to reduce cropland runoff by planting cover crops, increasing organic matter, and reducing tillage.
- Manage manure responsibly to keep it out of lakes and streams.
- Plant deep-rooted native plants along shorelines, ditches, lakes, and streams to slow down and filter runoff.
- Maintain a healthy septic system.