A larger algae outbreak in recent years overtook Grand Lake St. Marys, killing fish and wildlife.
Further tests were conducted at C.J. Brown on Wednesday and should continue weekly, according to Jean Backs from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation. Wednesday’s results were not available yet.
The tests have indicated that “a low level of toxins were found,” said Backs. “We are keeping an eye on the toxins.”
A sign placed in front of the beach warns swimmers not to swallow the water and and informs them how to identify the algae.
The ancient organism has been around for years, but recreation at Grand Lake St. Marys, the largest inland lake in Ohio, came to a halt after high levels of microcystin took over.
Signs then warned visitors that direct contact with the lake should be avoided and recreational boating was only permitted when water was tested to be at a certain level.
According to the EPA the decomposing algae toxins can cause skin rashes, allergic reactions, stomach aches, and light headiness.
“There are always precautions people can take to avoid getting sick from the water,” said Linda Raterman Information and Public Relations Specialist for the Soil and Water District in Miami County. “Some steps people can take when preparing to get into the water include covering all cuts or scrapes on your body, have your feet covered when entering the water, lastly do not swallow the water,” Raterman said.
No significant increase of the algae has been reported in Greene, Miami, Montgomery, and Warren counties, said Mark Bruce, a spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Agricultural runoff into the waters is a problem in Ohio, but the departments are working on a solution, Bruce said.
Bruce said the state is spending $2.5 million out of the $3 million dollars of the Healthy Lake Fund to test systems to reduce runoff in Lake Erie. Once the solution is found, the system will be implemented throughout Ohio, he said.
Algae are natural aquatic plants that survive in bodies of water used for drinking and recreational activities. Algae looks like scum or cottage cheese on top of bodies of water and come in different colors such as brown, purple, and black.
Bruce said the algae becomes a problem during decomposition. He said that decomposing algae releases toxins, such as cyanobacteria, into the water which can be harmful to humans.
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