Blue-green Algae. Although this is the season that that the potentially harmful slime develops on some bodies of water in Oklahoma, officials say it is not present at a popular lake in the Seminole city limits.

In a statement released Wednesday, the City of Seminole said Sportsman Lake does not have bluegreen algae and according to wildlife officials, it would be difficult for the algae to even develop there.

“We spoke to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife about Sportsman Lake developing blue algae. We learned from them that it is difficult for blue algae to develop at Sportsman Lake due to its active springs and having cooler water from the springs. Sportsman Lake does not have blue algae and is safe to visit and enjoy all the activities it has to offer,” city officials said.

Blue-green algae (BGA) was recently reported at Lake Hefner in Oklahoma City and at Grand Lake, located in the Tulsa area. While the thick, green algae often seen along the edge of a lake is harmless, the BGA blooms can produce toxins that are potentially harmful to people and animals.

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), BGA can be found in any body of water and the blooms can be blue, bright green, brown or red and can look like foam, scum, or mats on the surface of water. Some blooms may not affect the appearance of the water, but as algae in the BGA blooms die, the water may have an unpleasant odor.

Potential health effects from BGA exposure can vary and are dependent upon the type of toxin present. Exposure may cause the following symptoms: rash, hives, or skin blisters; runny eyes, runny nose, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms or allergic reactions and acute, severe gastroenteritis (stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting).

OSDH recommends that people avoid swimming or participating in water recreational activities where the water is discolored or where you see foam, scum, or mats of algae on the water. It is also advised to follow any water body closures announced by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) or Grand River Dam Authority. Those who see BGA in public waters should report it to the DEQ complaint hotline at 800-522-0206.