KTRV Fox 12 Toxic Algae Impacts Lake Lowell

Toxic Algae Impacts Lake Lowell

Canyon County, Idaho -- Lake Lowell, which is usually packed in the summer, sits nearly empty.  Families have been scared away by toxic algae.

Tim Murray is one of the few brave ones, still heading out the water, but he's trying to stay dry. 

"I can't afford to be sick, so I'm not going to chance it," he said.

It's hard to miss the blue algae stripes down the shore and caution signs warning people and pets to stay away.

"We come out here quite a bit just because it's so close.  I've never seen it like this before," said Murray.

It's been about 10 years since this last happened at Lake Lowell.  Still it's not hard to spot where the blue green algae is.  It gives the water kind of a scummy appearance.   Plus, you can see chunks of algae floating on top.

The algae isn't always dangerous, but becomes toxic during certain conditions like hot weather.  Swimming in it can cause trouble breathing, flu like symptoms or a rash. If children or animals drink large amounts, it can even be fatal.

"Usually when they happen it's much later in the season, so why it's so early this year is anybody's guess," said acting refuge manager Susan Kain.

It's bad news for people who love to cool off at the lake.

"I was just here last week. You know thinking back, did my kids have any flu like symptoms?" worried one local mom.  

"I would love to go swimming right now, but eww," added a teenage girl.

The blooms won't die until fall, which means wet summer fun at Lake Lowell may be over for the season.

Blue green algae is caused by high levels of nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen in the water.  The Department of Environmental Quality is working with nearby landowners to reduce those chemicals to prevent future blooms.