Don’t cook with water that might contain blue green algae. Is it safe to cook with water that might contain blue-green algae?īoiling water doesn’t remove blue-green algae toxins. It's not known if fruits and vegetables absorb toxins from algae-contaminated water. What about watering my vegetable garden?ĭon’t use water with blue-green algae to water edible plants (especially plants with edible parts exposed to the ground surface like cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, and other salad vegetables). Don’t let animals eat whole fish or trimmings (any waste from filleting a fish including the head, bones, intestines, or skin) from affected lakes. Keep animals away from natural water sources that contain algal blooms because animals aren’t concerned about how water looks or smells before they drink it. Some illnesses and deaths of livestock and wildlife have been linked to animals drinking water containing blue-green algae. How does blue-green algae affect livestock and pets?Īlthough lakes are often a good source of drinking water for livestock and pets, lakes contaminated with blue-green algae can be deadly if algae toxins are present. Call Health Link at 811 if you have been in contact with water that has blue-green algae and are having symptoms.
fever (temperature over 38.5 ☌ or 101.3 ☏).If you haveĬontact (e.g., swimming, boating) with water containing blue green algae, it can cause:ĭrink water with blue-green algae, it can cause: How does blue-green algae affect human health?Ĭhildren might be more at risk for getting sick from blue-green algae because they often spend more time in the water and may swallow contaminated water by accident.