Blue-green algae found in Upper Twin Lake

COEUR d’ALENE — Visitors to Upper Twin Lake, take heed. Today the Panhandle Health District and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued a health advisory after finding cyanobacteria, sometimes called blue-green algae or a harmful algal bloom, present in elevated levels in Upper Twin Lake.

The agencies had previously issued a health advisory for Lower Twin Lake for the same reason. That health advisory remains in effect.

Cyanobacteria were also found in the channel which connects Upper and Lower Twin Lakes.

According to the PHD release today, DEQ took samples at Twin Lakes (upper, lower, and the channel) on August 28.

“Scum was observed along the down-wind shoreline extending into the channel. Additionally, a localized scum was observed at the Idaho Fish and Game boat ramp in the channel,” said the agency.

Contact with these blooms can be dangerous to humans and animals. Health officials urge the public to use caution at these waterways. Swimming and other activities in affected water are not recommended.

Updated information on harmful algae blooms in northern Idaho can be found online at

http://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/surface-water/recreation-health-advisories/cyanobacteria-harmful-algal-blooms/.