Menasha –A warning is out for swimmers and boaters to be on alert for potentially toxic blue-green algae.
Several blooms started showing up over the weekend on both Little Lake Butte des Morts and on the northern shore of Lake Winnebago.
On Monday night, blue green algae was clearly visible. It clings to everything in sight leaving behind a green substance that not only sticks, but can be toxic.
On Little Lake Butte des Morts in Menasha mats of growth have been expanding.
Rob McLennan, a Water Resources Supervisor with the Wisconsin DNR said, “The interesting thing about blue-green algae is that it can contain toxins that are released into the water that can cause rashes or respiratory problems, or if a dog drinks too much of the water, and there’s toxins present, it can die. It happens. It happens every year in this state.”
That’s why health officials have issued a warning: They’re advising people to stay away.
“Not all of these blue-greens produce toxins, but we don’t know when they do. So it’s best to avoid it,” said Jane Daum, with the Winnebago County Health Department. “But if they have to get into contact — they’re water skiing for something — the best thing is to bathe, take showers as soon as possible afterwards to wash it off.”
Drivers on the Highway 441 bridge who look down can see just how green the water is. On the shoreline there’s a sludge that’s building up.
The DNR says the growth is often driven by consistent heat.
“We’ve seen blooms persist into September. It’s not uncommon, so people need to be aware and not watch out for it, because we can’t really predict exactly when they’re going to show up or how long they’re going to last, or what part of a lake they’re going to be on,” said McLennan.
source: WBAY.com
