News & Updates

Be on the Lookout for Harmful Algae Blooms!

Summer is in full swing, and while the warm weather allows a lot of fun in the outdoors, it also creates the environmental conditions for harmful algae blooms (HABs). Warm and still bodies of water that contain excessive amounts of nutrients lead to an overgrowth of the blue-green algae which makes up a HAB. These blooms can be unappealing to encounter, but also potentially harmful to the health of you and your pets. They cannot be determined to be hazardous on sight alone, so it is important to stay vigilant of the water conditions and pay attention to the signs posted by local officials.

Our office was notified by the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ) of a reported suspected algae bloom on Silver Lake in Sargent County on July 10^th, 2024. Signs have been posted near Silver Lake with a QR code leading to the most up-to-date status of the bloom. Staff will be out to sample the bloom on Monday, July 15^th, but until the risk level can be assessed it is advised that you do not swim, water ski, boat, or generally come into contact with water in the areas where the bloom is visible. Do not let your pets drink from the affected waters and if you or your pet swim in an affected area you should rinse off with fresh water.

If you suspect you may have been in contact with a harmful algae bloom, watch for the following symptoms and seek medical help immediately if you start to experience:

• Headache, Incoherent Speech, Drowsiness, Loss of Coordination

• Dry Cough, Pneumonia, Sore Throat, Shortness of Breath

• Abdominal Pain, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Severe Cramps

• Irritation of Eyes, Nose, or Throat

• Blistering, Rash, Fever, Tingling or Numbness, Skin Burning, Muscle Aches or Weakness

If you suspect your pet has been in contact with a harmful algae bloom; watch for vomiting, fatigue, difficulty breathing, coughing, or convulsions. These symptoms can come on quickly in pets and lead to serious illness and even death in a short amount of time.

Local and state staff are not able to continuously monitor every water body in the state, and so it is important for community members to report suspected blooms to the NDDEQ.

Blue green algae can look like a crust on the water, grass clippings, green cottage cheese, scum, or spilled green paint. If you see an algae bloom that looks suspect, you can report it to the NDDEQ by calling 701-328-5210, emailing DEQ-HAB@nd.gov or using the online form linked below.

https://www.deq.nd.gov/WQ/3_Watershed_Mgmt/8_HABs/HABsReporting/

Please avoid potentially affected areas and stay alert of the risk levels posted by the NDDEQ.

Additional information on HABs in North Dakota can be found on the NDDEQ website.

https://deq.nd.gov/WQ/3_Watershed_Mgmt/8_HABS/Habs.aspx

(images from the NDDEQ)

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