BROWNTOWN - Cyanobacteria, more commonly referred to as blue-green algae, can make algae blooms toxic and cause gastrointestinal distress if ingested. Blue-green algae has appeared in Green County's Beckman Lake and Lafayette County's Yellowstone Lake in the past, and if hot weather persists, it may show up again.
Gina LaLiberte works in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources bureau of science services and warns that cyanobacteria can cause symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, similar to food poisoning. Scientists are still trying to determine what actually causes the algae to turn toxic, but research seems to suggest nutrient-rich water systems that see a lot of heat in the summer months become good breeding grounds for bacteria to grow.
The algae doesn't always take on the blue hue that its name suggests.
"When you see the blue color, the cells are breaking down and only blue pigments are left," LaLiberte said.
The algae can take on a number of different colors, none of them very appealing to look at.
"We have seen white or brownish or reddish and purple pigments," LaLiberte said. "Any time you see weird colors consistent with paint on the surface of water, it may be blue-green algae."
The bacteria is typically not harmful unless ingested, but people who have severe allergies could experience blisters or rashes if they come into contact with the algae. Dogs and small children are more at risk since they are more likely to inadvertently or purposefully ingest the water in contaminated lakes.
"Dogs will willingly drink scummy, disgusting water, and if the water ends up on their fur they will lick it off afterwards," LaLiberte said.
She cautioned people to remain hygienic and always shower after swimming in any body of water. She also said toweling off a dog is usually enough to stop them from licking the scum off their fur.
State-owned properties are required to post placards detailing the risks of entering lakes and rivers that house cyanobacteria. Brad Bates, DNR park ranger, said the algae has shown up at Beckman Lake in Browntown before, but the only cure is caution.
"Most people catch on real quick, when the algae is in full bloom," Bates said.
Blooms will also give off a distinctive sewage-like smell common to algae, but state park operators take visual cues to determine if the blooms are toxic. Yellowstone Lake Superintendent John Arthur said that thanks to the cooler temperatures, there have been no significant signs of blue-green algae in the popular areas around the lake. Arthur said they do not run tests on the lake to determine if blooms are becoming toxic but put up signs in designated-use areas to warn patrons.
"We occasionally get large blooms," he said. "We just put up an advisory telling people to shower as soon as they get out of the water."
LaLiberte said people with personal water sources such as irrigation or livestock ponds should fence off the areas if algae deposits show up. She said there have been a number of cattle deaths in the state associated with cyanobacteria. She said common-sense measures can help prevent exposure to blue-green algae.
"If you wade into knee-deep water without disturbing the sediments and you still see your feet, the risk of illness is moderate to low," she said.
Gina LaLiberte works in the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources bureau of science services and warns that cyanobacteria can cause symptoms of diarrhea and vomiting, similar to food poisoning. Scientists are still trying to determine what actually causes the algae to turn toxic, but research seems to suggest nutrient-rich water systems that see a lot of heat in the summer months become good breeding grounds for bacteria to grow.
The algae doesn't always take on the blue hue that its name suggests.
"When you see the blue color, the cells are breaking down and only blue pigments are left," LaLiberte said.
The algae can take on a number of different colors, none of them very appealing to look at.
"We have seen white or brownish or reddish and purple pigments," LaLiberte said. "Any time you see weird colors consistent with paint on the surface of water, it may be blue-green algae."
The bacteria is typically not harmful unless ingested, but people who have severe allergies could experience blisters or rashes if they come into contact with the algae. Dogs and small children are more at risk since they are more likely to inadvertently or purposefully ingest the water in contaminated lakes.
"Dogs will willingly drink scummy, disgusting water, and if the water ends up on their fur they will lick it off afterwards," LaLiberte said.
She cautioned people to remain hygienic and always shower after swimming in any body of water. She also said toweling off a dog is usually enough to stop them from licking the scum off their fur.
State-owned properties are required to post placards detailing the risks of entering lakes and rivers that house cyanobacteria. Brad Bates, DNR park ranger, said the algae has shown up at Beckman Lake in Browntown before, but the only cure is caution.
"Most people catch on real quick, when the algae is in full bloom," Bates said.
Blooms will also give off a distinctive sewage-like smell common to algae, but state park operators take visual cues to determine if the blooms are toxic. Yellowstone Lake Superintendent John Arthur said that thanks to the cooler temperatures, there have been no significant signs of blue-green algae in the popular areas around the lake. Arthur said they do not run tests on the lake to determine if blooms are becoming toxic but put up signs in designated-use areas to warn patrons.
"We occasionally get large blooms," he said. "We just put up an advisory telling people to shower as soon as they get out of the water."
LaLiberte said people with personal water sources such as irrigation or livestock ponds should fence off the areas if algae deposits show up. She said there have been a number of cattle deaths in the state associated with cyanobacteria. She said common-sense measures can help prevent exposure to blue-green algae.
"If you wade into knee-deep water without disturbing the sediments and you still see your feet, the risk of illness is moderate to low," she said.