Nebraska Dogs vs Ponds and Lakes!!

Sent: Wednesday, June 09, 2004 10:15 PM
Subject: WARNING: Toxic Algae vs. Dogs

This is a post regarding a specific type of toxic algae in ponds, lakes, and sand pits. The official report at http://www.ndeq.state.ne.us/ says that
they've only tested Nebraska lakes, but you may want to be on the lookout for this particular toxic algae around here as well since it has to do with lawn fertilizer washoff.

Keep Your Dog Away From Ponds, Lakes, and Sand Pits

The Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality (NDEQ) has confined a number of reports of dogs that died after being exposed to water bodies containing a toxin given off from a blue-green algae called Anabaena. A May 5, 2004, news release from NDEQ identified that these 3 dogs died after swimming and drinking water from Buccaneer Bay Lake near Omaha, Nebraska.
Conversation with the NDEQ also revealed that there are other ponds, lakes, and sand pits in Nebraska that have this algae bloom. Arends Lake (unsure of spelling) in Grand Island is also known to have this algae bloom.

It is very easy to determine whether a pond, lake, or sand pit has an algae bloom. The water will have a blue-green or pea green coloration to it. This coloration indicates a high concentration of algae in the water. Ponds, lakes, or sand pits that have houses or commercial businesses around
them are the most likely candidates for algae blooms. However, water bodies surrounded by croplands or feedlots are also likely candidates for algae blooms. Algae blooms are caused by high concentrations of nutrients (i.e., lawn fertilizers) in them. This is caused by people fertilizing lawns and greenscapes prior to rain events. The fertilizer washes off of the lawns and into the water bodies. The algae in the water bodies then feed upon the
fertilizers and multiply. In essence, the water bodies are being fertilized. Water bodies with standing water such as ponds, lakes, and sand pits are very susceptible to algae blooms, however, low flowing rivers and streams are also susceptible.

The NDEQ advises people to avoid contact with water bodies that have the blue-green or pea green coloration, especially small children and pets.

The news release can be found at
http://www.ndeq.state.ne.us/
http://www.ndeq.state.ne.us/