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

A few lakes in Idaho may be unsafe for you and/or your pets due to the presence of blue-green algae, also referred to as cyanobacteria.

Most types of algal blooms are actually not harmful, but the blue-green algae found in these waters are actually considered potentially dangerous. People and animals can become exposed to blue-green algae by swallowing or just coming into physical contact with water containing this type of algae, so be careful when you are on these lake beaches in Idaho. The most common health effects associated with coming into contact with blue-green algae are skin and eye irritation, but the more dangerous health effects include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and difficulty breathing.

The Idaho lakes mentioned here have had advisories put out on them for potentially having dangerous amounts of blue-green algae in them. However, it's important to remember that not all bodies of water are being actively monitored and it's really up to you to judge the safety of any body of water.

1. Mormon Reservoir

Mormon Reservoir is a reservoir on McKinney Creek in Camas County, Idaho. A public health advisory was issued for Mormon Reservoir a few summers ago by the South Central Public Health District. Water that has been affected by blue-green algae will look like it has foam or scum on its surface.

Read more about Mormon Reservoir.

2. Fernan Lake

Fernan Lake in Coeur d'Alene falls under a health warning for more than 100 days a year. Pets are warned to be particularly at risk and are not recommended to be in the water. It is suggested that people immediately rinse off after coming into contact with this water.

Learn more about Fernan Lake.

3. Hayden Lake

Hayden Lake, located in Kootenai County, has continually been deemed as having bad water quality since 1998. The Kootenai Environmental Alliance has been testing treatments on the water, but there hasn't been any tangible proof that water quality has improved in Hayden Lake so far.

Is Hayden Lake safe to swim in? Visit the official website for the most up-to-date information.

The Department of Environmental Quality monitors some, but not all, bodies of water in Idaho. Just because a body of water has no health advisory, it isn't necessarily safe. The best advice is "when in doubt, stay out." Use common sense and don't swim in water that is particularly foul-smelling or has foamy green scum on top. While most Idaho lakes are great, just be sure to be cautious. You can also check updates about algal bloom advisories.