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

The North Dakota Department of Health has recently issued blue-green algae advisories on three lakes and reservoirs in the state. These advisories mean that the potentially toxic algae is present on the water and may raise to dangerous levels.

Blue-green algae blooms occur and fluctuate throughout summer, so it is important to keep up to date before heading out and jumping into any body of water. This particular type of algae contains toxins that, at high enough levels, can cause rashes, respiratory and eye irritation, and even neurological effects. Ingesting water with blue-green algae can be very harmful to people and animals.

Lake Improvement Association/Flickr

Blue-algae blooms generally look like a foam on top of the water in the same colors it is named after. If you come in contact with it, you should rinse yourself off afterwards. If you see what looks like blue-green algae in a pond or lake even if it hasn't been given an advisory or warning by the Department of Health you should be cautious and avoid ingesting the water. It is up to individuals to decide whether or not they want to swim in the water, but if the advisory turns into a warning then it is best to avoid it.

The following lakes are not in any sort of order, but have all been placed under recent advisories.

Google maps

This lake reservoir just outside of Harvey, North Dakota was placed under an advisory for blue-green algae being present on June 23, 2017. If you choose to swim in the water, be sure to rinse off thoroughly afterwards and do not allow pets, children, or yourself to drink any of the water.

Google maps

As of June 15, 2017, the Stanley Pond next to Stanley, North Dakota has been given an advisory level of blue-green algae after recent testing. Depending on the weather and other conditions, this may change as the summer continues.

Google maps

The Homme Reservoir just west of Park River, North Dakota was placed under an advisory on June 27, 2017. The water is considered safe to swim in as long as you shower directly afterwards, but ingesting the water can cause harm. Be sure to keep up to date with the current warning level before visiting this lake.

For current advisories and warnings of algae blooms in North Dakota, check the ND Department of Health site. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on this before heading out to the lake during summer as this information is constantly subject to change. Testing of waters will happen often throughout the season.