North Dakota's Department of Environmental Quality has issued blue-green algae advisories for Harmon Lake and Sweet Briar Lake in Morton County.
Hot summer weather contributes to the production of the algae thatās also known as cyanobacteria. People and animals who ingest affected water can get sick and even die. Thereās no known antidote for the toxins that blue-green algae can produce.
The algae discolor the water and cause foam, scum or mats to appear on the surface. In severe blooms, the water can have the appearance of spilled green paint or green pea soup.
Areas in the two lakes where the bloom is present should be avoided, officials said. Areas where there is no evidence of a bloom may still be used for recreation.
āAs always, you should use the lake at your own discretion, but this advisory doesnāt mean stay awayĀ ā it means avoid the algae areas and donāt drink the water,ā Morton County Parks Director Tim Nilsen said.
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Environmental Quality officials are conducting regular testing for cyanotoxins in the two lakes.