According to a recent post by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, water collected from Lake Elmo on August 26 tested positive for toxins from cyanobacteria, which is better known as a harmful algal bloom (HAB).
The recent cooler weather and rain might help, since these blooms tend to thrive in warmer, nutrient-rich water. Montana FWP is keeping an eye on the lake and will continue reporting what they find.
For now, just play it safe, and if the water looks off, stay out. That means water that’s unusually green, blue, red or discolored, has scum floating around, or doesn’t smell right.
And definitely keep kids and pets from swimming in or drinking suspicious-looking water. If you think you or your pet came into contact with it, rinse off with clean water as soon as possible.
Lake Elmo is basically saying “no swimming today”, and you should trust what it’s saying!
Learn more about harmful algal blooms or report one at hab.mt.gov.
Image and info via Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Montana's outdoor week, in your inbox at 7am Friday.