Algae has once again returned to Lake Arthur and the officials at Moraine State Park are reminding residents of its potential dangers.
Park Manager Dustin Drew says the amount of algae growth varies from year to year and he can’t say if this year there is more or less than previous years. Drew did say what’s most important is identifying the algae before going into the water.
“It’s really the visible blooms that stand out and make people aware that maybe they shouldn’t go into there today, or keep the dog out of there today,” Drew said. “It’s usually a bright green or greenish-blue that looks like a light film on the water.”
The algae colors can be very light and can grow in areas of lake, even the shallow ends. Drew also advises that no matter what, wash your skin with water after going into the lake.
Toxins in the algae can also be extremely dangerous for dogs, even leading to death to in some cases.
“I know there’s been cases like that throughout the country where it seems like there’s a relationship with toxins that can be present in algae and effects dogs. It can actually kill them, I believe, if the toxin level is high enough,” Drew said.
At any point algae could grow and develop anywhere in the lake but according to Drew there has been none so far in areas that people swim in but that can change from day to day.
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