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Blue green algae found in floodwater

JANESVILLE — People living in areas flooded by Lake Koshkonong and the Rock River have another problem to watch out for: blue-green algae.

The algae are obvious in Lake Koshkonong, said Tim Banwell, Rock County Health Department environmental health director.

“It looks like you’ve dropped paint in the water,” Banwell said.

It’s hard to determine the exact amount of blue-green algae, otherwise known as pond scum, in the water, so the department advises common sense.

Rick Wietersen, ground water manager with the health department, recommends:

-- Do not swim in areas with high algae concentration, especially in cloudy water or water with a floating scum layer that looks like pea soup or green paint.

-- Do not swallow the water. Be especially careful your children or pets don’t do so.

-- Rinse off after coming in contact with stream or lake water.

The algae grow in lakes, ponds and slow-moving streams. The algae grow best in warm water that’s been enriched with nutrients such as phosphorous or fertilizer, according to a news release from the health department.

The flooding and heavy rains cause a lot of run-off from farm fields and lawns, Banwell said. Raw sewage from over-loaded sewage plants added to the problem, he said.

Blue-green algae can be present from June to September and can “bloom” to cover a body of water with a blue-green scum.

Wietersen said the algae can make humans and animals sick. Pets and children are especially sensitive.