Posted in Wisconsin Nature, On The Water June 30, 2017 by

You May Not Want To Swim In This Wisconsin Lake Due To A Toxic Discovery

A popular place to visit once the summer sun starts to make an appearance, Lake Mendota is a wonderful spot to relax by the water or to go swimming and boating. Recently though, the lake experienced one of the largest blue-green algae blooms in its history, causing our residents to be more alert than usual about what’s lying in the water. So with hot days ahead where you might find yourself wanting to take a trip to this lake, here’s what you’ll need to know.

On June 16th Lake Mendota experienced one of its largest blue-green algae blooms since the summers of 1993 and 1994.
Richard Hurd/Flickr
Residents living in the surrounding areas woke up to find that the normally picturesque lake was suddenly an intense turquoise color.
Richard Hurd/Flickr
While Lake Mendota has commonly dealt with the toxic algae in the past, this year turned out to contain the perfect conditions for harboring a bloom, more so than others.
Mark Sadowski/Flickr
The areas surrounding Lake Mendota are mostly made up of farms that contain soil with high amounts of phosphorus, and with the above average rainfall that we've been experiencing this year it's made its way out to the water.
Mark Sadowski/Flickr
As soon as warm temperatures hit the area the bloom came to be, instantly creating a toxic environment within the water.
Mark Sadowski/Flickr
While the blue-green algae has settled down since the initial bloom, it's important to note that many factors this year have created the perfect environment for this toxic piece of nature to grow.
college.library/Flickr
While the shocking appearance of the blue-green algae has died down since the bloom on June 16th, those swimming and boating in Lake Mendota should still keep their eyes open for any warnings and/or advisories posted around the lake and at its beaches. Blue-green algae can quickly pop up and fluctuate throughout the summer, so don't let your guard down too fast!

To find out more information about blue-green algae and to see frequently asked questions, check out what Wisconsin officials have to say here.

So, tell us your final verdict! Will you be getting out in the water at Lake Mendota this summer or will you stay away with caution?

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