Recent testing of Lake Wawasee has shown a drop in the level of blue-green algae and the algal toxin Microcystin.
During the first week of September, 10 lakes in Kosciusko and Whitley counties were randomly selected for water testing.
Lake Wawasee was tested in the high range for algal toxins.
Microcystin is a toxin that is created by some blue-green algae also called cyanobacteria.According to the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, blue-green algae are found in all of Indiana lakes, and some have the ability to create a dangerous toxin.
Direct contact with algal toxins can cause skin irritation. Drinking untreated water, intentionally or accidentally, may result in gastrointestinal illness and more severe liver and neurological damage.
Last week, a series of additional water tests from four locations in Lake Wawasee and one location in Syracuse Lake were completed. The results all tested in the low range for Microcystin and cyanobacteria
The only exception was the Department of Natural Resources public launch ramp on Lake Wawasee, which tested in the moderate range for cyanobacteria.
The WACF gave the following suggestions to keep algae toxins low:
- Do not rake leaves or lawn clippings into the lake.
- Keep fertilizers well back from the edge and use phosphorous-free fertilizers.
- Install a stone seawall or natural shoreline.
- Do not stir up the bottom of the lake with your boat propeller. Cautious boating in shallow areas may be our best defense.
What Should I Look for to Avoid Toxic Algae?
The toxic strains of blue-green algae usually have heavy surface growths of pea-green colored clumps, scum or streaks, with a disagreeable odor and taste. It can have a thickness similar to motor oil and often looks like thick paint in the water.
Algae blooms usually accumulate near the shoreline where pets and children have easy access and the water is shallow and more stagnant.
According to the WACF, it is important to keep a watchful eye on children and pets so that they do not enter the water. Water with any of the characteristics listed below is symptomatic of a blue-green algae bloom and may contain toxins:
- A neon green, pea-green, blue-green or reddish-brown color.
- A bad odor.
- Foam, scum or a thick paint-like appearance on the water surface.
- Green or blue-green streaks on the surface, or accumulations along shorelines
What are the Risks and Symptoms?
Pets and farm animals have died from drinking water containing toxic blue-green algae. Blue-green algae toxins have been known to persist in water for several weeks after the bloom has disappeared.
While there are no U.S. standards regulating algal cell counts, the World Health Organization designates risk categories for recreational contact with water.
For more information on blue-green algae, visit www.algae.in.gov
The Web site is a collaborative effort of the DNR, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, the Indiana State Department of Health, and the Indiana Board of Animal Health, in cooperation with the Center for Earth and Environmental Science at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.
