The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the Department of Game, Fish and Parks remind people Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) remain prevalent in South Dakota waters.
HABs can be harmful to people and fatal to pets and livestock so remember, “WHEN IN DOUBT, STAY OUT”.
High temperatures experienced this summer have contributed to the persistence of HABs in several lakes around the state. A HAB occurs when toxin producing algae grow excessively in a waterbody. HABs generally occur during warm summer months (July through September) in nutrient-enriched lakes and ponds but can occur earlier or later in the year depending on conditions.
DANR and its partners collect toxin samples at multiple lakes throughout the state and sample results are posted to an Interactive Web Map:
https://sdbit.maps.arcgis.com/
The map highlights toxin concentration levels at specific locations during a snapshot in time. The results should NOT be used to determine whether waters are safe for recreation/pet use at any given time.
For information on HABs, visit DANR and GFP web pages at:
https://danr.sd.gov/
https://gfp.sd.gov/news/
If you have questions or would like to visit about HABs or what to do if you or your pet comes in contact with one, please call Joshua Strobel at 1-800-438-3367 (Joshua.Strobel@state.sd.us) or contact your local GFP office.
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