CyanobacterialScumBismarck (CSi) The North Dakota Departments of Health (NDDoH) and Agriculture (NDDA), Animal Health Division, have issued a blue-green algae advisory for Lake LaMoure and Twin Lakes, in LaMoure County, due to detectable levels of microcystin in the water.

Although the level of cyanotoxin was below the state threshold for issuing warnings, the algae can reproduce rapidly, with a corresponding rise in the cyanotoxin levels.

When present in water, cyanotoxins are dangerous for both people and animals.

With the forecast hot weather over the next fe days , the NDDoH and NDDA urge residents to err on the side of caution and avoid waters that look discolored or scummy, or that have a foul odor in these lakes.

Do not swim, water ski or boat in areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum or mats of green or blue-green algae on the water.

If you accidentally swim in water that might have a cyanobacteria bloom, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.

Do not let pets or livestock swim in or drink from areas where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum or mats of algae on the water.

If pets (especially dogs) swim in scummy water, rinse them off immediately – do not let them lick the algae (and toxins) off their fur.

Don’t irrigate lawns or golf courses with pond water that looks scummy or smells bad.

 

Please take the following steps to avoid exposure to cyanotoxins:

Respect any advisories announced by public health authorities. If you see posted signs or hear messages to stay out of a certain body of water, respect the warning.