ENVIRONMENTAL BRIEFS
A Spring Water Event Special
Public Swimming in Lakes
By: Katelin Kukk
Now the weather is warming up, lake swimming will soon be a favorite activity! However, before you dive into that cool, refreshing water, it’s important to be aware of the potential health risks.
With warmer air temperatures and more sunlight, algae growth is inevitable. While most algae are harmless and safe to swim in, there are certain algae and bacteria you should avoid due to their toxicity. Most swimmers can assess the waters with simple observations like the following: How does the lake look? Are fish and other aquatic animals thriving? How does the lake smell?
One type of harmful bacteria is blue green algae (or cyanobacteria), which can produce toxic blooms that can make you sick on contact. A simple “stick test” can help determine if it is blue green algae. After pulling the stick from the algae-covered water, if the substance resembles paint or a slimy, greenish coating, it’s likely cyanobacteria.
This is often confused with duckweed, a harmless alga that resembles small green lentils or quinoa. Duckweed will usually drape over a stick when pulled out of the water, unlike the slimy, thick mat of blue green algae. Water testing is another reliable method for identifying the type of algae present.
So, before you plunge into the waters this summer, take a minute to evaluate the water’s conditions. Enjoy the lake safely and have a great time!
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