Algae advisory issued for Northern Indiana reservoir

PERU, Ind. - State officials are warning boaters and swimmers using a northern Indiana reservoir to take precautions when using the lake due to the presence of a toxic form of algae.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources issued a blue-green algae advisory Monday for Mississinewa (mis-ih-SIHN'-uh-wah) Lake about 70 miles north of Indianapolis.

That means swimming and boating is still permitted but they should avoid direct contact with the algae, avoid drinking the water and take a shower after swimming because blue-green algae can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation and other ailments.

The DNR also recommends keeping pets out of the water or preventing them from drinking the water. Pets should also be bathed after swimming.

Livestock and pets can be poisoned by toxins produced by some algae blooms.