Warning: Avoid Swimming In This Toxic Minnesota Lake
Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but right now, only 9,999 are fit to swim in after a warning was just posted about staying out of this toxic lake.
The hot, humid summer weather that's been prevalent across the North Star State this July might make you want to take a dip on one of our 10,000 lakes to cool off, right? But local officials in this Minnesota city are urging you to avoid any contact with this lake that's now unsafe.
Minnesota's usually pristine lakes, rivers, creeks, and other waterways are often a good way to get some enjoyment on a warm summer day. But thanks to a recent outbreak of blue-green algae, you'll want to stay out of this lake completely. Even though most algae is normally present in bodies of water and common in Minnesota, this type isn't fun. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency explains more:
When temperatures climb and the summer sun beats down, conditions are ripe for Minnesota lakes to produce harmful algae blooms, some of which can be harmful to pets and humans. Though often referred to as algae, blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. When conditions are right, these bacteria “blooms” that can produce toxins that are linked to illness in humans and animals.
And that's the case now at Lake Cornelia in Edina, located just off Highway 100 and Highway 62 in the south Twin Cities metro.
SEE ALSO: These Are Minnesota's Most Snake-Infested Lakes
According to this alert from the city of Edina, everyone-- you, your kids, and even your pets-- should avoid Lake Cornelia: The public should avoid contact with the water in Lake Cornelia in Edina.
The Nine Mile Creek Watershed District observed a likely blue-green algae bloom in the water this week and will get water samples for testing next week. As of yet, the levels of blue-green algae are not known, so we advise people and their pets to avoid contact with the water, scum, or algae.
The Nine Mile Watershed District staff will continue to monitor this lake and will release updated information on algal levels at ninemilecreek.org/lake-cornelia-blue-algae-bloom.
For more information on harmful algae blooms, you can call the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency at 651-757-2822 or 800-657-3864
This isn't the first time a local lake has had an outbreak of toxins. Last June, 60 people were sickened after a norovirus outbreak hit Schulze Lake at Lebanon Hill Regional Park in Dakota County. That outbreak was serious enough the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) temporarily closed the swimming area there and banned anyone from even going in the lake.
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