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Why Poisonous Algae Could Return to Kentucky Waters

Sarkao, 123rf Stock Photo

The toxic algae blooms that were lurking in the Ohio River this time last year could be making a comeback. Last fall the reports of the poisonous algae started coming in around Labor Day weekend and continued up through November. 

But Kentucky Division of Water manager Andrea Keatley says that though the reports of the algae are lower this year, we are entering conditions that are perfect for it to grow. 

"We are getting into conditions where we don't have as much turbulence in our water, we  have a little less rain right now. But we had a lot of rain this summer which also means we could have a lot of run-off," Keatley said. "So we might be in conditions where we might be seeing blooms, but we haven't had any reported at this time." 

The Harmful Algae Blooms, also known as H-A-B's, thrive in still waters and direct sunlight. They've been known to cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting and numbness. They can also be deadly to pets. But Keatley says there is an implication plan for high levels of toxins in Kentucky waterways. 

"20 micrograms per liter is for the general public and that's mainly for contact recreation from a swimming standpoint," Keatley said. "That's mainly from ingesting and inhaling water with those activities."

But Keatley says that just because the toxins don't come back at an advisory level, it doesn't mean that there isn't an algae bloom still out there somewhere and to use some precautions. 

"Our recommendations are to avoid areas  that look to be scummy or have an algae bloom like that," Keatley said. "Wash your hands and take a shower after recreating in water." 

To check advisory reports about Kentucky waterways, go to waterways.ky.gov and look in the HAV viewer. 

Nicole Erwin is a Murray native and started working at WKMS during her time at Murray State University as a Psychology undergraduate student. Nicole left her job as a PTL dispatcher to join the newsroom after she was hired by former News Director Bryan Bartlett. Since, Nicole has completed a Masters in Sustainable Development from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia where she lived for 2 1/2 years.
Taylor is a recent Murray State University graduate where she studied journalism and history. When she's not reporting for WKMS, she enjoys creative writing and traveling. She loves writing stories that involve diversity, local culture and history, nature and recreation, art and music, and national or local politics. If you have a news tip or idea, shoot her an email at tinman1@murraystate.edu!
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