There is a potentially harmful algae currently blooming in Lake Pontchartrain, and you should be aware of it. The algae can be toxic to humans and pets, so officials are warning the general public to stay out of the water until more testing can be done. Here’s what we know about this harmful algae that has popped up in the northern part of Lake Pontchartrain.
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is warning the general public about the recent discovery of harmful algal blooms near the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain.
Wikimedia The area spans from the Tangipahoa River to Slidell, and residents are warned to steer clear of the water until further testing can be done.
Back in early March, the Bonnet Carre Spillway was opened to divert some of the rising waters from the rain and melting snow in upper river basins.
Robert Karma/Flickr This sent massive amounts of river water into Lake Pontchartrain. The freshwater from the river carries high levels of nutrients, including fertilizer from farms. Officials believe that the newly added nutrients combined with earlier rainfall and above average temperatures all contributed to the algae bloom.
The blue-green algae is made up of cyanobacteria, which can be harmful to pets and humans.
Mark Sadowski/Flickr It can cause abdominal pain, headaches, sore throat, nausea, pneumonia as well as affect the liver, kidneys, and reproductive system.
The Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation is asking the public to steer clear of the algae blooms.
Hew Hamilton/Flickr It’s generally unsafe to swim in water with algal blooms, and keep in mind that even boaters may be exposed to the toxins of the blooms through water spraying from the boat.
Officials are hopeful that the algae blooms will not last longer than a couple of weeks.
WDSU/Youtube As the freshwater levels in the lake returns to normal, the algae blooms should die off. This, of course, could potentially cause other problems. The microbes that help the age decay remove oxygen from the water, which can lead to dead zones where fish can’t survive, similar to those seen in the Gulf of Mexico.
In the meantime, check out this Youtube video posted by WDSU for more information.
If you have gone swimming in Lake Pontchartrain recently, keep an eye out for any of the symptoms listed above and see a doctor if you are concerned about potential exposure to the algae.
Wikimedia
The area spans from the Tangipahoa River to Slidell, and residents are warned to steer clear of the water until further testing can be done.
Robert Karma/Flickr
This sent massive amounts of river water into Lake Pontchartrain. The freshwater from the river carries high levels of nutrients, including fertilizer from farms. Officials believe that the newly added nutrients combined with earlier rainfall and above average temperatures all contributed to the algae bloom.
Mark Sadowski/Flickr
It can cause abdominal pain, headaches, sore throat, nausea, pneumonia as well as affect the liver, kidneys, and reproductive system.
Hew Hamilton/Flickr
It’s generally unsafe to swim in water with algal blooms, and keep in mind that even boaters may be exposed to the toxins of the blooms through water spraying from the boat.
WDSU/Youtube
As the freshwater levels in the lake returns to normal, the algae blooms should die off. This, of course, could potentially cause other problems. The microbes that help the age decay remove oxygen from the water, which can lead to dead zones where fish can’t survive, similar to those seen in the Gulf of Mexico.
In the meantime, check out this Youtube video posted by WDSU for more information.
Though they believe the bloom should only last a few weeks, avoid the lake for the time being and wait for any official statements that the process has finished before diving back in.
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