Blue-green algae can be harmful to humans and animals.
Algae blooms on area lakes are normal and usually not harmful. However, the current algae bloom on Lake Harriet is possibly a harmful algae bloom (HAB), because it is a mix of two algae types: blue-green algae and filamentous algae - a stringy, non-toxic algae.
Despite the name, blue-green algae blooms can be many colors other than blue-green - such as a vibrant rust color - and can look like spilled paint on the surface of the water.
In addition, blue-green algae is actually a bacteria that can produce cyanotoxins, which can make humans and animals sick if ingested. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, rash, eye irritation, cough, sore throat, and headache. Symptoms generally begin several hours up to 2 days after exposure.
There is no way to tell if an algae bloom is toxic just by looking at it. Therefore, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) advises the following:
- Don’t swim if you can’t see your feet in knee-high water (and wash off with fresh water).
- Don’t let dogs drink or swim in the water. *
- When in doubt, stay out!
For more infomation on blue-green algae and HABs, visit the MDH website:
www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hab/hab.html
* Note: Dogs are not allowed in Minneapolis water bodies, per ordinances from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board (MPRB).
Why is this happening?
Algae are a natural part of lake ecology. Algae blooms can happen any time of year under the right conditions. Springtime algae blooms can occur as lake conditions change quickly, due to large amounts of nutrients from snowmelt, warming water and shifts in weather.
Updates and more information
MPRB will share updates as new information becomes available.
Seasonal water quality testing at beaches begins in June; however, advisories for Lake Harriet are currently posted on the Lake Water Quality Status map.
MDH: Preventing Harmful Algal Bloom-Related Illness
www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hab/prevention
MDH Fact Sheets
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) - English (PDF)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Hmong (PDF)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Somali (PDF)
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Spanish (PDF)
Contact
Robin Smothers
Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board
Phone: 612-230-6410
Email: rsmothers@minneapolisparks.org
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