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Officials say toxic algae case unconfirmed on Flathead Lake


Flathead Lake is among the 100 largest natural freshwater lakes in the world, and according to scientists, it’s also one of the cleanest. But after a recent viral Facebook post, people are worried toxic algae might be in the lake’s water. Photo: NBC Montana
Flathead Lake is among the 100 largest natural freshwater lakes in the world, and according to scientists, it’s also one of the cleanest. But after a recent viral Facebook post, people are worried toxic algae might be in the lake’s water. Photo: NBC Montana
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Flathead Lake is among the 100 largest natural freshwater lakes in the world, and according to scientists, it’s also one of the cleanest. But after a recent viral Facebook post, people are worried toxic algae might be in the lake’s water.

On Sept. 10, a Facebook user posted in a public group that her family’s dog died from toxic algae after swimming in Flathead Lake near Big Arm. The post was shared around 1,000 times, and also appeared on Montana community group pages.

Toxic blue-green algae blooms have appeared in Montana lakes, but according to experts, they’re unlikely to occur in Flathead Lake.

“I wouldn’t expect the conditions on Flathead Lake to allow blue-green algae to flourish,” Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services toxicologist Matthew Ferguson said.

Blue-green algae blooms tend to occur in the summer. According to the Montana DPHHS, blooms usually occur in warm, still water that’s nutrient rich and exposed to sunlight.

“If you see it, I would avoid the water,” Ferguson said. “When in doubt, stay out.”

Scientists sample and test the water to measure its toxicity.

“We’ve received some reports (of blue-green algae),” Flathead Lake Biological Station information specialist Ian Withrow said. “We’re going to look into the reports, we have someone out there that’s going to take some samples. But, we can’t confirm anything yet.”

Officials encourage people to record and photograph any possible incidents of blue-green algae. Possible sightings can be reported on the Montana DPHHS webpage.

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