Posted in Indiana Nature June 29, 2017 by

You May Not Want To Swim In These 3 Indiana Lakes This Summer Due To A Dangerous Discovery

As temperatures continue to rise and we begin to soak up more of that summer sun, we’ll quickly find ourselves searching for the nearest place to go and cool off. But before you go running into any bodies of water in Indiana, you may way to scope out the area first to see if your eyes come across any blue-green algae!

During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
Indiana Officials are now warning residents to be aware that some of our lakes currently contain high-levels of this bacteria.
tagnrocky/TripAdvisor
So, what exactly will happen if you come in contact with the toxic blue-green algae in these lakes? While side effects vary, those who come in contact with the bacteria can experience rashes, sickness and even fatalities.
The most recent testing of the waters show that Brookville Lake, Deam Lake and Sand Lake have high cell counts of blue-green algae.
Suzanne Phillips/Flickr
After the Indiana Department of Environmental Management performed test on water samples on June 13th, the results revealed that the toxic bacteria was in fact in these bodies of waters. The levels were high enough to induce an Advisory Warning, allowing residents to go swimming and boating in the waters but to be aware that the blue-green algae is present here.
During this time of year the blue-green algae rises to the surface of the water in search of sunlight, becoming harmful to those who come in contact with it.
kristen673/TripAdvisor
Those who plan on continuing to go swimming or boating at these three lakes should be aware that the Advisory Warning states pets should not be allowed to drink or swim in these waters while the blue-green algae is present.
As of right now the three lakes have an Advisory Warning out, urging residents who swim in the waters to shower with warm soapy water afterwards and to avoid swallowing the water and getting it in their eyes.
Google Maps
Updating the statues of Indiana lakes on their website weekly, the Indiana Department of Environmental Management has been working hard to assure residents that the most up to date information is posted for all to see. To view the water sampling schedule and to find out more information, click here.

To learn more about this toxin and how the state tests our waters, watch the footage provided by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management below.

To those who decide to check out any of these bodies of water, be sure to follow the guidelines to keep yourself safe. If any of these are your go-to spots for summer swimming, then try trading them in for The Underrated Indiana Lake That’s Perfect For A Summer Day!