DANR reminds public to look out for algae blooms

 The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is reminding the public to remain vigilant when on lakes around the state as harmful algal blooms can develop rapidly and without notice during the warm summer months..

The blooms typically occur during warm summer months in nutrient enriched lakes and ponds, although they can occur earlier or later in the year depending on the conditions. In South Dakota, harmful blooms are usually produced by blue-green algae. Blue-green algae produce toxins that can be harmful to people (especially children), pets, and livestock. Be cautious during the warm summer months and refrain from letting your pets drink lake water.

DANR and its partners collect toxin samples at lakes throughout the state and sample results are posted to an interactive web map.

In June Brant Lake showed a microcystin sample of 9.46 micrograms per liter, which exceeded the standard of 8 micrograms per liter. On July 16th that number was down to 2.87.

On July 15th, Lake Herman showed a sample of 11.868 micrograms per liter. Lake Madison’s sample on July 16th was 2.87. 

The map shows toxin concentration levels at specific times only, and the results should not be used to determine if waters are safe to use at any given time.