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Water Quality - June 29th, 2014

6/29/2014

5 Comments

 
Picture
Blue Green Algae warnings come around every summer, but it appears the problem with blue-green algae is much more pronounced this year. BC regulars will recognize the common duckweed, which is not a problem. What you should look for a bright green scum on the water (almost like paint).  Here is some more info from the MN Pollution Control Agency: 

Summertime in Minnesota: When in doubt, best keep out!
When temperatures climb and the summer sun beats down, conditions are ripe for Minnesota lakes to produce harmful algae blooms, some of which can be harmful to pets and humans.

What: Harmful algal blooms (HAB) are blue-green (cyanobacterial) algal blooms containing toxins or other noxious chemicals, which can pose harmful health risks.

Why is this a concern? People or animals may develop skin irritation or upper respiratory problems from exposure to HAB, and in extreme cases, dogs and other animals have even died after drinking lake water containing these toxins.

Where: Severe blue-green algal blooms typically occur on lakes with poor water quality (high in nutrients), and look like green paint, pea soup, or a thick green cake (see photo gallery below for examples). HAB often result in extremely low water clarity (less than 1 foot). There is no visual way to predict the toxicity of an algal bloom

What should I do if I suspect a HAB on my lake? When these conditions are present, people should avoid contact with the water and they should prevent animals from swimming in or drinking the water. Scientists do not yet know what causes some blooms to produce toxins while others do not, so the safest course of action is to avoid contact with all blue-green blooms.

What does it look like? Blue-green algae can be hard to distinguish from other types of algae. While it's often described as looking like pea soup or spilled green paint, it can take other forms as well.  The photos on their website show some of the diversity of blue-green's appearances and also provides some examples of other types of algae or plants that may be mistaken for blue-green algae.

http://www.pca.state.mn.us/index.php/water/water-types-and-programs/surface-water/lakes/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms.html

5 Comments
Gina Kiser
7/1/2014 10:42:40 pm

Thanks for the speedy action on this issue. It is clear (from observation) that most regulars are following their own counsel, but it is nice to know Ramsey County is tracking the issue. For many of us, our dogs are our family-so information is critical. If a dog does become ill, should we email Jan Carr oe let the county know? Thanks again Gina and Misty

Reply
Patty
7/3/2014 02:33:01 am

I think you should let the county know (for health and water quality reasons), but maybe send Jan a quick email too--since he is really the most active person involved in the dog park. You could message him through the contact form on this site or message him through the Battle Creek Dog Park facebook site.

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aquatic mower link
7/31/2014 09:36:37 pm

Thanks for sharing all the information about Blue-green algae. I think It is very necessary to concern about this problem and find out the best solution for this problem.

Reply
wendy
12/10/2017 09:58:50 am

We were at the dog park to and there was a man with 2 pitbull there one was wearing a Vikings dog shirt and the other was black. The black dog viciously attacked our Lab, my husband was able to get them free when the dog had ours down by the neck. The owner stood there watching and when I told him to put a leash on it to contain him he called me a “cunt” and walked away not putting it on a leash). God forbid it would have been a small dog or worse, a child...as either would surely have been killed! I spoke to another woman and she saw the same dogs being aggressive to other dogs. AND yesterday she saw a pitbull attack another dog and had it down by the neck. This is a SERIOUS problem! These types of dogs should NOT be allowed in the park as they are too unpredictable! I WILL be posting signs at the gate entrances warning people.

Reply
Paul Tolleson link
1/9/2018 01:47:12 am

Cyanobacteria is a plant that is not easily eliminated. A large number of cyanobacteria will cause fish poisoning and death.

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    Jan Carr is an active volunteer and organizer for Battle Creek Dog Park.

    Give Jan a call if you can help out.  651-341-8441

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