Warm weather speeds algae growth on Minn. lakes

Dock
Dock on a Minnesota lake.
MPR Photo/Dan Gunderson

The warmer spring weather is causing algae to appear on Minnesota lakes earlier than usual.

Pam Anderson is a pollution-control specialist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. She tells KSTP-TV that algae is showing up earlier this year than in previous cooler years.

Anderson says July and August are generally when algae blooms are at their worst. But some lakes are already showing signs of the slimy green layer.

Her agency plans routine checks of lakes starting next week. However, there's not much that can be done to slow an algae bloom, especially since weekend temperatures are expected to hit 90 in some places.

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One form of algae called blue-green algae is known to cause health issues including skin irritations and liver problems.

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Information from: KSTP-TV, http://www.kstp.com

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)