Lilly Center Microcystin Data
During the summer, the Lilly Center for Lakes & Streams conducts weekly water quality testing across county lakes to measure concentrations of microcystin—a toxin released by certain species of blue-green algae (cyanobacteria). While blue-green algae blooms are a common sight in warm, nutrient-rich waters, visual appearance alone cannot determine whether the water is safe. A bright green bloom might be non-toxic, while apparently clear water can still harbor hidden toxins.
Why This Data Matters:
Microcystin poses direct health risks if swallowed or exposed to the skin, causing severe liver toxicity, gastrointestinal illness, and skin irritation. Dogs are especially vulnerable because they frequently drink lake water and ingest toxins when grooming their fur. The threshold for pet safety is significantly lower (0.8 ppb) than for humans (8.0 ppb), making localized testing crucial for pet owners.