IndianaLocalNews

State to finish blue-green algae testing before Labor Day

FILE - In this Aug. 3, 2014, file photo, an algae bloom covers Lake Erie near the City of Toledo water intake crib about 2.5 miles off the shore of Curtice, Ohio. Several environmental groups in Ohio and Michigan are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying the agency isn't doing enough to protect Lake Erie from toxic algae. The federal lawsuit filed Tuesday, April 25, 2017, said the EPA needs to step in and take action under the Clean Water Act. Algae blooms in the shallowest of the Great Lakes have fouled drinking water in recent years and are a threat to wildlife and water quality. (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari, File)

NORTH LIBERTY, Ind. (AP) — State officials say they’ll continue testing waterways for blue-green algae ahead of the Labor Day weekend.

Blue-green algae growth, known as cyanobacteria, is made up of microscopic organisms that naturally occur in streams and lakes. Much of it is harmless, but some can produce toxic chemicals that cause sickness in people and pets. If there’s contact, health officials recommend rinsing off with fresh clean water quickly.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is posting testing updates online . Officials started testing waterways around Memorial Day and will finish before Labor Day.

High counts have been detected in several lakes, including Worster Lake at Potato Creek State Park.

The South Bend Tribune reports that on a recent day, visitors, including Warsaw resident Jason Chilafoe who was with his children and dogs, avoided the water.

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