blue-green

JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – Several advisories have been issued in the region concerning the presence of Blue-green algae in state waters.

Blue-green algae is a cyanobacteria in bodies of water used by people, pet, and livestock. The algae can bloom if conditions are right and pose a risk to humans and animals if swallowed. The algae can cause a discoloration of water and cause foam, scum, and mats to appear on the surface.

Several advisories have been issued since July across North Dakota. The advisory is only issued if blue-green algae bloom is present in portions of the water body.

“Avoid those areas of the water body where the bloom is present,” the ND State Health Department states. “The areas where there is no evidence of a bloom may still be used for water-based recreation.”

Bodies of water on the advisory list include:

Jamestown Dam – Stutsman County
Dry Lake – McIntosh County
Blumhardt Lake – McIntosh County
Wilson Dam – Dickey County
Schlecht-Thom Damn – LaMoure County
Flood Lake – LaMoure County

While there is no current warning at this time, if a significant portion of a lake is overtaken by Blue-green algae, a warning will be issued and you will be asked to avoid contact with the water.

You can click here for a constantly updated list of advisories and warnings from the North Dakota Department of Health.

The above image is what Blue-green algae could look like.