LIVING HERE

Delavan Lake has put out warnings about blue-green algae that have been sighted and verified near the Viewcrest subdivision beach.
This new slime was discovered late Thursday afternoon. Public works have posted signs at public and private beaches, along with parks, to warn of the dangers of using the lake. Walworth County Public Health and the DNR have been notified as well. According to the DNR, Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen, causing the water to look like pea soup.

Blue-green algae are most often blue-green in color, but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the presence of blue-green algae in Delavan Lake and indicates that it is a health threat for those humans that use the lake. When the blue-green algae bloom it can cause a serious health threat to humans and animals that come in contact with it or ingest it. Swimmers, boaters, skiers, animals, and others are encouraged to avoid the lake because encountering the toxins from the algae can cause eye irritation, allergic reaction, mouth ulcer, vomiting, diarrhea, cold and flu-like symptoms, and even nerve damage. Get medical treatment immediately if you think that you and/or your pet might have been affected by the blue-green algae toxins. This event taking place is a great reminder to clean boats after leaving any lake and before entering any lake. The toxins and invasive species are easily transferable. Let’s all work together to keep our lakes clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.