While you may be wanting to get in all the last summer days at the lake that you can, you might want to avoid visiting two specific lakes in North Dakota. The North Dakota Department of Health has issued warnings for toxic algae blooms at those specific places, and here’s what you need to know:
Two lakes in North Dakota have been moved up from an advisory to a full warning for blue-green algae being present. The algae is toxic if ingested in large quantities for both people and animals, and may also cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation.
lakeimprovement/Flickr
As of last Friday (August 24, 2018), the Homme Dam was moved up from an advisory to a warning.
Homme Dam/Facebook
The other lake that is under the warning category is Antelope Lake, located near Rugby, North Dakota.
Google maps
Blue-green algae is considered a harmful algae bloom, or HAB, and the North Dakota Department of Health advises people to avoid all water-based recreation in lakes that are listed under the warning category. If you do go in a lake with a HAB, you must shower immediately afterwards and avoid drinking any of the water. This includes letting pets such as dogs drink the water.
MPCA Photos/Flickr
Other lakes in North Dakota are currently only under advisories for algae, where algae blooms may be present in part of the lake but not all of it. Lakes currently under the advisory include Lake Tschida, Lake LaMoure, Harvey Reservoir, and a handful more.
Lake Tschida Recreation/Facebook
For a full list of lakes with algae advisories and warnings and what you need to know about HABs, follow this link.
Homme Dam/Facebook
Here is the official list and statement from the North Dakota Department of Health that lists the lakes currently affected by blue-green algae.
lakeimprovement/Flickr
Homme Dam/Facebook
Google maps
MPCA Photos/Flickr
Lake Tschida Recreation/Facebook
Even though these lakes should be avoided, you can still spend your last days of summer on the lakeshore at other places such as these great ND lakes.
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