You may be aware that there have been conversations about blue-green algae on Potter Lake. Algae blooms are a common issue in Wisconsin's warm-weather months, typically mid-June through September, due to factors like increased water temperature, low wind conditions, sunlight, and nutrient pollution, especially phosphorus from fertilizers. All Wisconsin lakes contain blue-green algae, which may float up to the surface under low wind conditions.
Residents are cautioned to avoid swimming or allowing young children or dogs in water where there are patches of algae that look thicker, like a swath of latex paint, or in water that has a lot of tiny particles floating in it. Of course, swallowing lake water is never a good idea. Not all blue-green algae make toxins, and those that do don’t make them all the time. Because it is impossible to tell if a bloom is making toxins from looking at it, it is best to err on the side of caution.
It is possible to test for the presence of harmful blue-green algae. However, blooms often dissipate on their own, so the best plan is to keep people and pets away until it is gone. In emails with a DNR representative who is an expert on algal blooms, she included that more information can be found at the DNR's Blue-green Algae Page and DHS's Blue-green Algae Page. You can also view a 2021 Wisconsin Water Week DNR presentation on blue-green algae on YouTube.
If you have concerns about unusual algae blooms or other issues in Potter Lake, please contact the Lake District as soon as possible. The district will take necessary action to work directly with its lake management consultant and the DNR to confirm if observed blooms contain blue-green algae or not. This information can be communicated by the Lake District to appropriately reach the majority of the riparian owners and the community. Please understand that the Potter Lake Homeowners Facebook page is not affiliated with the Potter Lake District.
In speaking with our lake management consultant, he noted that if algae blooms are a recurring issue in a specific area, they sell and install horizontal circulators that attach to a pier to reduce stagnant conditions that favor growth. These must be installed at a height that does not disturb sediments. Please get in touch with me at chairperson@potterslake.org if you would like more information on this.