FAIRMONT — On July 20 the city of Fairmont initially put out a public notice asking citizens to be mindful of the potentially harmful blue-green algae blooms in the chain of lakes. As of today, that notice is still in effect.

Cathy Malakowsky is a communications strategist for Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. She covers the southeast region of the state, which includes Martin County. The MPCA is advising people to stay out of lakes and streams if the water looks green and slimy, especially with a blue-green tint.

Malakowsky said the current weather conditions are the perfect breeding grounds for blue-green algae blooms.

“Hot, dry, conditions. We don’t have a lot of run-offs so there’s not a lot of flow throughout the lakes. The water’s already warm from the ongoing heatwave we’ve had and tends to be stagnant. That’s when algae can really grow and the more algae grow, the more potential for the blue-green type,” Malakowsky said.

The blue-green algae could contain harmful bacteria. Malakowsky said they would need to do a lab test to find out if there are toxic bacteria in the algae, but often by the time they get results, the bloom could have dissipated.

“That’s why we always say when in doubt, stay out,” Malakowsky said.

Malakowsky explained that the algae blooms really are a blue-green color.

“We always say turquoise waters in the Caribbean is a wonderful thing, but turquoise waters in Minnesota is not,” Malakowsky said.

She shared that she lives in Albert Lea and there’s a bloom occurring now on Fountain Lake there. She said it’s vivid blue in color.

Malakowsky said blue-green algae is actually very common for lakes in southern Minnesota because they tend to be more shallow. The lakes in Fairmont range in depth from 11 feet in George, to 27 feet deep in Hall.

“There’s less water to absorb the solar radiation from the sun and so it tends to warm up after to a greater temperature,” she said.

People who come into contact with toxic blue-green algae can experience skin, throat, eye and nose irritation, as well as nausea.

Malakowsky said the highest risk activities include swimming, diving, tubing, water skiing and paddleboarding.

“Moderate risk would be canoeing, kayaking, sailing and jet skiing,” she said.

She said low-risk activaties include boating, fishing and eating fish.

“The more contact with water, the higher the risk,” Malakowsky said.

“It’s not as serious for humans as it is for dogs. It can kill dogs pretty quickly because they tend to ingest it,” Malakowsky said.

If any human or animal comes into contact with it, they should rinse off with clean water immediately afterward. If a dog ingests the water it should be taken to a vet immediately.

Malakowsky said unfortunately a dog death was reported in late July at Lake Okamanpedan at the Tuttle Lake Recreation Area south of Fairmont. A harmful algal bloom is the suspected cause of death.

People can email photos of suspected blooms to algae.mpca@state.mn.us.