Toxic bacteria present in several water bodies across North Dakota

Courtesy: North Dakota Department of Health
Courtesy: North Dakota Department of Health

(Bismarck, ND) -- A hazardous blue-green algae has been spotted in nine different bodies of water in North Dakota.

The Cyanobacteria, sometimes described as a blue-green algae, grows in stagnant, warm water. It will typically form during the summer and fall but it could bloom at anytime in the year. Toxins produced by the cyanobacteria can cause serious illness in both people and dogs. This can include "collapse and sudden death" for dogs after they lick the cyanobacteria from their fur. 

The bodies of water known to have known quantities of cyanobacteria include...

  • Green Lake in McIntosh County
  • Homme Dam in Walsh County
  • Epping-Springbrook Dam in Williams County

Other bodies of water across the state are either under investigation or have low levels of toxicity...

  • Carbury Dam in Bottineau County
  • Dead Colt Creek Dam in Ransom County
  • Fordville Dam in Grand Forks County
  • Horsehead Lake in Kidder County
  • Lake Upsilon in Rolette County

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  • Blacktail Dam in Williams County
  • Crown Butte Dam in Morton County
  • Devils Lake in Benson County
  • East Stump Lake in Nelson County
  • Harmon Lake in Morton County
  • Sweetbriar Reservoir in Morton County

You can learn more about the blue green algae by clicking here.