Spirit Lake, Iowa — Homeowners and pet owners along Big Spirit Lake are advised to use caution in certain areas of the lake, due to blue-green algae.
Experts tell us the algae becomes a problem when waters become stagnant and temperatures rise. And blue-green algae is especially toxic for dogs, but goats, horses, cattle, and sheep can also suffer the effects of the algae’s toxins, according to experts from Iowa State University.
While it is called “algae,” they tell us that unlike other forms of algae that are plants, blue-green algae is actually a bacteria that is free-floating and grows in colonies. The more proper name is cyanobacteria. Blooms are most often found in shallow, warm water but can be pushed across a lake by the wind.
The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory is a partnership of the three regent universities in Iowa — The University of Northern Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Iowa. They tell us that they are testing the blue-green algae bloom for toxicity. But they advise that people should avoid swimming in the water. And they remind us that pets are especially vulnerable to blue-green algae toxins.
They say that much of Big Spirit Lake is experiencing the issue. As for the other major lakes in the Iowa Great Lakes area, West Okoboji is not having any issues. East Okoboji is seeing isolated pockets of the algae.
You can also check advisories at the Iowa DNR beach monitoring website.
