Crews test area lakes for toxic algae

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE)--Toxic algae continues to be an problem across many of Indiana’s lakes.  Crews with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) tested three lakes in the northeast portion of the state Monday.  Two of them have a blue-green algae alert. 

On Thursday, Sand Lake was one of five different lakes to get the alert.  Two more of Indiana's lakes have been added to that count since.  The area gets an alert if the blue-green algae count is over 100,000 cells/ml.  Lake James only had around 20,000 cells/ml.  Sand Lake had more than 180,000 cells/ml. 

Salamonie Reservoir had more than 1.2 million cells/ml.  A Wabash couple thinks blue-green algae killed their dogs after they swam in Salamonie .

Leaders at Chain O’ Lakes have been handing out fliers alerting visitors of the issue, but many swimmers said they haven’t noticed a difference in the water.

Ironically, the beach at Sand Lake closed Monday because of E-coli issues.  Leaders think that could also be a drought or heat related problem.

IDEM crews tested Lake James, Salamonie Reservoir, and Sand Lake in Chain O’ Lakes State Park Monday.  The results should be available by Friday.

Leaders with IDEM said the rain can alleviate some of these blue-green algae issues, since it thrives in warm, stagnant water.

If the lake you use isn't tested, how do you know it's safe from the toxic algae?  State leaders said, if you're knee deep in water and can't see your feet because the water is too murky, they would not recommend swimming.

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, many of Indiana's reservoirs and lakes have high levels of blue-green algae.

The following areas have have a current High Count Alert.

• Raccoon Lake (Cecil M. Hardin) at Walker Boat Ramp
• Hardy Lake at Hardy Lake State Recreation Area
• Mounds State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake
• Quakertown State Recreation Area on Brookville Lake
• Whitewater Memorial State Park - Whitewater Lake
• Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area on Salamonie Lake
• Chain O Lakes State Park - Sand Lake
• Potato Creek State Park - Worster Lake
• Eagle Creek Reservoir, tested July 16
• Morse Reservoir, tested July 16

The DNR asks everyone to avoid ingesting this water, avoid contact with surface scums and shower with soapy water after swimming. If there are any symptoms after swimming, please contact a doctor.

For more information, go to the DNR's page on blue-green algae.