The North Dakota Department of Health and Agriculture Animal Health Division have issued a blue-green algae warning for Patterson Lake near Dickinson.
Mike Ell is an environmental scientist with the Health Department. He says a blue-green algae bloom was discovered on Patterson Lake just before the 4th of July, so a sample was collected and tested for the presence of microcystin - the harmful cyanotoxin found in blue-green algae. He says concentrations along the beaches and boat docks were higher than they've ever seen. Microcystin is dangerous for both animals and humans, and can cause serious illness and death. Ell says swimming and consuming water from Patterson dam is not recommended. Ell says the warning is isolated to Patterson Lake for the time being, but everyone statewide should be on notice for blue-green algae.
"They have a distinctive blue-green color to them. They tend to grow and proliferate in waters that are rich in nitrogen phosphorous, and we see the blooms occur in the summer time with warmer weather, lots of sunlight. The conditions we have right now are conducive to blue-green algae blooms."
Ell says the water on Patterson Lake will be tested again, and the warning may be lifted to just an advisory by the end of the week. He says boating is okay when care is taken to not accidentally ingest water. He also says fish that are caught in the lake around blue-green algae are safe to eat - just make sure to clean them very well. Ell says if you suspect there may be blue-green algae at your favorite recreational area, you can report it to the State Health Department by visiting their website at www.ndhealth.gov and searching for "harmful algal blooms."