Blue-green algae bloom detected at Black Lake in North Idaho

A blue-green algae outbreak has been detected at Black Lake, one of the chain lakes along the Coeur d’Alene River.

Since the algae blooms have the potential to produce toxins, a health advisory has been issued by the Panhandle Health District, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality and the Coeur d’Alene Tribe.

People recreating at Black Lake should avoid swallowing or inhaling lake water and avoid areas of the lake with visible scum on the water. Pets also should be kept out of the water.

If people choose to eat fish from the lake, they should remove all fat, skin and organs, where toxins are more likely to collect.