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Swimmers Beware: Hazardous Algae in Lake Nokomis
4 Jun
Summary
- Lake Nokomis beaches closed due to unsafe blue-green algae levels.
- Blue-green algae can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and headaches in humans.
- Algae bloom poses a deadly risk to dogs, prompting a strong warning.
- Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board issued the hazardous algae advisory.
Ahead of a warm weekend, swimmers are urged to steer clear of Lake Nokomis due to a hazardous blue-green algae advisory. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board has closed Main Beach and 50th Street Beach after detecting levels of microcystin, a chemical produced by the algae, that exceed safe swimming guidelines.
The Minnesota Department of Health warns that exposure to blue-green algae can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and headaches within two days. While these symptoms can make humans ill, the algae can be fatal to dogs, making the advisory particularly critical for pet owners.
Health officials advise avoiding water that appears murky, has a paint-like color, or exhibits a scum layer. The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board's website provides a map of current water quality advisories for city lakes. Lake Nokomis is currently the only Minneapolis lake under a water quality alert.
