Iowa DNR News

Environmental Services Division

  


For immediate release                                                                                     July 6, 2009


 

BROWN ALGAE BLOOM VISIBLE ON STORM LAKE

 

STORM LAKE - A discoloration of water along some of the shorelines on Storm Lake is being caused by a brown algae bloom.

 

Portions of the shoreline appear to have what looks like brown paint or stain. Growth of brown algae can occur when there are excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus in the water.

 

Brown algae typically do not produce toxic compounds in the environment.  The DNR is collecting samples to analyze for the presence of toxins that can be produced by a variety of algae.  Results of these analyses should be available later in the week.

 

Although there were some dead bullheads spotted along the eastern shoreline, it is believed those fish died from post-spawn stress. The DNR did collect some water samples on Monday to determine if the brown algae was causing oxygen depletion in some portions of the lake near the algae bloom, but those results indicated oxygen levels were good.

 

For more information, contact Julie Sievers at 712-260-0625.

 

-30-

 

 

 

 

Kevin Baskins

Communications Bureau Chief

Iowa Department of Natural Resources

515-281-8395

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