Toxin-Producing Algae Found In Woodbury Lake

WOODBURY, MN — Carver Lake Beach goers and other lake users are advised to avoid contact with the lake due to the presence of blue-green algae. The Ramsey-Washington Watershed District confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in Carver Lake Friday, Aug. 25. The type of blue-green algae present is known to produce toxins that can be harmful to pets and humans.

Not all blue-green algal blooms produce toxins; however, there is no way to predict if or when a bloom will produce toxins. For this reason it is best to avoid contact and stay out of the water.

If you believe you or your pets are experiencing adverse health effects due to contact with, or ingestion of, lake water or algae, seek medical attention immediately. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Minnesota Patch, click here to find your local Minnesota Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook , and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

The following Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) fact sheets include photos and more information about blue-green algae.

• MPCA: Blue-green algae and harmful algal blooms
• MPCA: What you should know about blue-green algae
• MDH: Harmful algal blooms
• MDH: Beaches and recreational waters in Minnesota

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