Warm weather brings blue-green algae bloom
Heather Beckius
Minnesota Public Radio
ST. PAUL, Minn. -- An extended stretch of hot weather may lead to higher concentrations of blue-green algae in Minnesota lakes.
The algae gathers on the surface of the water and is known to kill dogs if they drink enough of it. It can also cause rashes and respiratory problems for people.
Pam Anderson of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency warns of the potential for trouble.
"This is just the time of the year that people need to be aware and keep an eye on kids and pets and make sure that they're not in water that doesn't look good," Anderson said. "Our tagline is "When in doubt, stay out."
Anderson says blue-green algae feeds off phosphorous and other nutrients which may run into water. People can protect lakes by minimizing yard or farm soil that enters lakes.
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