Robbinsdale Issues Warning About Blue-Green Algae in Crystal Lake
With the holiday weekend upon us, Robbinsdale is asking residents to exercise caution before going into the water due to the presence of blue-green algae in Crystal Lake.
“If you see something that looks like a green paint spill on the water, best to just stay out,” said Marta Roser, Robbinsdale’s water resources specialist. “Or if you have to go in the water, rinse off immediately afterward. Try not to ingest anything.”
Thanks to the hot, dry summer we’ve had so far, Roser says algae blooms have been prevalent in Robbinsdale’s Crystal Lake. That’s significant because those algae blooms can contain toxins that could be harmful to humans and pets if ingested.
Boating is low risk, but swimmers should use their best judgment.
Residue of blue-green algae on the shore of Crystal Lake.
The city made plans to treat the water and decrease the phosphorus levels in the lake earlier this summer. Phosphorus is the primary nutrient for algae growth. However, Roser says the algae was so bad that they had to call it off and delay the treatment to the fall when the algae has died off.
“Yeah, it definitely isn’t what we were hoping for,” Roser said. “But we’re still committed to the project. We have the funds available. And so sometimes with this lake it seems like you just kind of have to go with the flow. Just change your plan as it goes. But fortunately, the carp removals have been going really well. We’ve pulled a lot of carp out of the lake so far.”
This weekend, the city of Robbinsdale plans to put up signs to warn people about those blue-green algae blooms.
Three Rivers Also Monitors Water Quality at Its Beaches
Meanwhile, the water quality situation isn’t as alarming in the Three Rivers Park District. Brian Vlach, water resources manager, said Three Rivers monitors its lakes on a bi-weekly basis for nutrients and algae.
“Based on the most recent data, the majority of the park district lakes have good water quality conditions for this coming Fourth of July weekend,” Vlach said. “I recommend that everyone should try to take advantage of the many water related recreational opportunities that our park district provides for the public. I do anticipate that water quality conditions will change in the next few weeks.”
