The Independence Day holiday is one of the busiest times of the year on Minnesota lakes.
But as the long holiday weekend approaches, questions are being raised about one of the region’s most popular lakes.
Specifically, is the water in Fish Lake safe?
For the past several months, the water in Fish Lake has appeared red. While some were concerned the cause to be bacterial, the cause of the discoloration is actually from a species of blue-green algae.
Lee Engel, supervisor of water quality monitoring for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, noted there are several types of blue-green algae.
“We suspect that plankothrix rubinescence is the cause,” Engel said. “It hasn’t been identified by taxonomists, but that is what we suspect would give the water the reddish-brown, rusty hue.”
Engel added that some species of algae are toxin producers.
More on this story appears in the June 24 print and e-editions of the Citizen.
