UNDATED (WSAU-WXPR) — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will host an online chat Tuesday at noon to discuss blue-green algae.
The algae grows in stagnant water. Participants can ask a panel of experts about ways to stay safe this summer when spending time on the water.
July through September is the peak time for the algae to appear. Water Resource Management specialist for the DNR Gina LaLiberte says some blooms can produce toxins and if ingested or inhaled can pose problems. While humans can get sick from the water, the biggest threats are to dogs who will drink water humans won’t. LaLiberte says there is a test to see if the water is OK.
She said, “If an adult can wade into knee-deep water and can’t see their feet that indicates that there’s a high level of algae in the water. That’s when you want to keep small children and dogs out. Either intentionally or not they may drink the water.”
While humans can get sick from the water, the biggest threats are to dogs who will drink water humans won’t.
LaLiberte said, “It’s very important that if you have dogs swimming in a body of water, if the body of water is something humans necessarily wouldn’t swim in, the dogs should not be swimming.”
Humans ingesting the pea-soup like water find common symptoms of exposure include rashes, gastrointestinal ailments, and respiratory irritation. People experiencing symptoms should contact their health care provider or the Poison Control Center.
To participate in Tuesday’s online chat, visit the DNR home page, and click on the graphic or search the phrase “ask the experts.”
By Ken Krall, WXPR
