WINONA LAKE -- The K21 Health Foundation has awarded Kosciusko Lakes and Streams $200,000 to be used toward lake and stream research in Kosciusko County focusing on blue-green algae.
“Lakes and streams are vital to the community. We want to acknowledge how important water is to the health of residents in Kosciusko County,” said Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation president and CEO.
“We’re thrilled to renew our commitment with KLAS in researching ways to take preventive action against the blue-green algae concern.”
KLAS hopes to better understand what causes blue-green algae to grow in local lakes and how it can be stopped.
“Blue-green algae is one of the most important human health issues related to lakes in northern Indiana,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, KLAS director.
“We appreciate K21’s contribution to our research along with support from Grace College, private donors, and other local foundations.”
Blue-green algae produce varying levels of toxin that can put human health at risk.
Skin contact can cause skin irritations or rashes while ingestion can result in liver and kidney disease or even death.
KLAS will use the grant funding to study blue-green algae toxin levels to protect county residents from potentially hazardous lake conditions.
“I thank the K21 Health Foundation, a truly important county asset, for joining with KLAS in this vital county research” said Ron Manahan, Grace president.
“I am grateful for the fine work of Dr. Bosch as he leads KLAS, a research center on the Grace campus. Our campus is privileged to serve our county through this research initiative.”
Kosciusko Lakes and Streams is a community-based research center at Grace College focused on applied research, educational outreach and advocacy that builds community capacity to promote, enjoy and properly steward Kosciusko County’s lakes and streams.
According to Bosch, “This algae study is a perfect fit for KLAS’s mission as it is an applied research project that helps us more safely enjoy and more effectively protect the lakes in our region.”
To learn more about KLAS visit www.water.grace.edu
