The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District is advising the public that lakes in the district have not been affected by the algal blooms observed in Ohio inland lakes this summer and continue to be safe for all routine recreational activities.

Several lakes and bodies of water in locations around Ohio, including Burr Oak State Park, have had health advisories issued for them because of the rates of potentially harmful algal blooms or toxins present in the water. The MWCD lakes are not included in those warnings and have exhibited no signs of the presence of any of the harmful toxins.

Harmful algal blooms can produce poisons that can cause illness or irritation in pets, livestock and humans. An algal bloom is an abundant or excessive growth of algae, according to the OEPA.