GREEN LAKE, Wis. (WFRV) – Officials in Green Lake are advising community members to avoid parts of the lake as a lake-wide harmful blue-green algae bloom has been confirmed in multiple locations.
According to a release, the harmful algae bloom stretches along the north and south shores and across the lake, including at the surface level of the deepest portion over 200 feet deep.
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It’s the first documented offshore harmful algal bloom in Green Lake, a warning sign of degraded water quality. They can also produce harmful toxins to people and pets.
As a result, the Green Lake Association is warning people to avoid the following in areas with visible algae scum, streaks or any discolored water:
- Boating
- Swimming
- Fishing
- Water sports
The algae was first reported on September 16, when a report of paint-like streaks and suspicious water conditions across a shoreline was made. A team collected samples, confirming the presence of the harmful algae in both the shoreline and the middle of the lake.
The Green Lake Association has had team members on the water daily to assess and sample the extent of the bloom, as environmental factors can shift the location and density, as conditions are widespread.
The Green Lake County Public Health Department and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources have been informed. When a harmful blue-green algae bloom appears, it cannot be fixed or made safe, conditions must change.
“Seeing Green Lake covered by a harmful bloom like this is deeply alarming,” Green Lake Association CEO Stephanie Prellwitz said via a release. “As Wisconsin’s deepest natural inland lake, experiencing something of this scale is unprecedented. The fact that we’re now seeing a lake-wide harmful algal bloom underscores the urgent need for stronger action.”
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Click here for updates from the Green Lake Association.
Storm Team 5’s Nathan Himpsl spoke with experts in August regarding these harmful blue-green algae blooms. Click here to read more.
