Iowa Environmental Council blog warns of dangers of Microcystin algae blooms

The Iowa Environmental Council’s (ICE’s) envisions a state that is a leader in addressing climate change and environmental justice, and in creating resilient communities that embody Iowans' shared values of respect for all people and the environment. As Iowa’s and the nation’s regulations on quality water shift, the IEC offers a place to find consistent standards.

Each week during the summer, the organization publishes the names and locations of Iowa Public Beaches showing elevated levels of E. coli bacteria or Microcystin algae. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) requires that water samples be sent weekly for testing. The DNR site publishes the results of these tests weekly on Friday. State, county, and city beaches are tested. Some private beaches also elect to participate in the program. The ICE helps greatly because they publish list of advisories. One may also call the DNR hotline 515-725-3434 for an updated list before selecting the beach to visit on the weekend.

IEC Communications Director, Angelisa Belden, publishes a blog. She has recently posted an article “We must ensure all Iowans are protected with beach advisory signage.” Brushy Creek has been on the algae advisory list for several weeks this summer. Ms. Belden visited the beach planning to take pictures and observe the situation firsthand.

The first thing she does is locate the advisory sign the DNR posts regarding beach advisories. She found the small sign that is on every beach. This sign gives a general warning and how to fine out the water quality. There is no sign regarding the current water situation. The sign telling her she couldn’t collect snails was larger and clearer than the one warning her that she, her children and pets could be harmed by getting in the water.

The second thing is to find the bloom. While walking to the beach, a family was splashing away in the water. There was a small baby in the water as well. After arguing with herself, she decided to say something to the family about the dangers. Complicating her communication, she found that the mother did not speak English. Her children translated what she was saying into Spanish. The DNR does publish advisories on their website in Spanish but there are no beach signs posted with the warnings in both languages. Further she was trying to convey that the situation was potentially dangerous.

In freshwater lakes and ponds, harmful blooms occur. The cause is cyanobacteria. The phytoplankton is named “cyano” because of its color — blue green. Microcystin is the name of the toxin commonly created in Iowa waters. Swimming in contaminated water or breathing droplets of contaminated air can cause irritation of skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Swallowing contaminated water or eating contaminated food can cause headaches, stomach pain, vomiting, liver damage, diarrhea, dizziness or muscle weakness. Dogs are at special risk as well as livestock and wildlife. Fish can be harmed two ways — die from lack of oxygen as the bacteria uses up oxygen as it decomposes or if thick enough actually clog the gills.

As the warm weather continues, always check the advisories. Go to a lake or campground that is free of these concerns. If visiting a private pond or lake, check out the looks of the water. Choose to be safe. Also check the DNR site or the IEC site and ensure fun, healthy time in the water.