July and August are prime lake time for Carver County residents, but suspected blue-green algae blooms have now put a damper on some summer water plans.

Carver County Water Management Organization has issued an alert that several local lakes — including Bavaria, Eagle, Hydes, Parley, Reitz, Swede, Waconia and Wasserman – are likely experiencing such blooms.

According to a news release, the blooms are actually not algae but toxic bacteria (cyanobacteria) that can “cause illness in humans and animals if they are inhaled or ingested.”

Blue-green algae is often found during calm, sunny weather and in lakes where temperatures rise above 75°F. The blooms are frequently blue-green in color, but can also look blue, green, reddish-purple or brown. 

“There is no way to tell if a blue-green algae bloom has or is producing toxins just by looking at it,” county officials report. “It’s best to avoid contact with the water and keep children and pets away, too. The toxins can also persist after the bloom has disappeared, so watch for green scum on the shorelines, which may mean there was a recent bloom.”

County staff members suggest residents avoid or minimize recreating in the listed lakes for the time being. If an individual comes in contact with water on these lakes, officials recommend washing with fresh water afterwards.

“When in doubt, best keep out,” officials warned.