Toxic algae threat in ND 

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - As we are finally starting to feel that summer warmth, that is also fueling the growth of toxic algae on the water around the state.

Toxic algae or cyanobacteria can be found in lakes, ponds and rivers. Exposure to it can be harmful to people.

Brian Houle, a scientist with the state Department of Environmental Quality, has an easy way to remember how to stay safe.

“‘When in doubt, stay out’ is what we kind of say. If it looks and smells bad, it is probably bad,” said Houle.

Cyanotoxins are toxic substances released by some types of algae when they are present in large quantities, described as Harmful Algal Blooms.

They get their fuel from what’s in farm fields.

“North Dakota is a heavily agricultural state, and so we have a lot of runoff. Nitrogen, phosphorus, all these things go into the water system,” said Houle.

You should keep pets and livestock away from anything that looks like toxic algae. If animals consume cyanobacteria, they can get very sick and even die.

“Pets are pretty susceptible. They love being in the water. They like drinking the water when they are hot since they can’t sweat,” said Houle.

The state has different ways to describe what toxic algae might look like on the water: grass clippings, scum, spilled green paint or pea soup.

As the summer finally starts to heat up, stay water aware.

State officials are already looking into at least four water bodies that may have toxic algae in them. Staff are waiting for the final test results to name them on the Environmental Quality website.