Last year, two dogs died after swimming in Akersvannet in Vestfold. The cause of death was toxic cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. The Norwegian Environment Agency has now found the same type in 29 lakes. Although the bath water may look inviting, you should think twice before jumping in. Innsjøene Miljødirektoratet fant cyanobakterier Innlandet/ Viken: Kolbotnvann Bergsvannet Haugestadvannet Hillestadvannet Vikevannet Tunevatnet Bjørkelangen Skulerudsjøen Selsvatnet Falangtjern Jarenvatnet Velotjernet Østtjernet Steinsfjorden Vestfold/ Telemark: Revovannet Akersvannet Borrevannet Goksjø Rogaland: Frøylandsvatnet Hålandsvatnet Mosvatnet Orrevatnet Storamos Vestland: Bergsvatnet Klessvatnet Lommetjørnet Vestvatnet Ystebøvatnet Trøndelag: Vannet kan i verste fall become so toxic that it can kill people if one were to ingest large amounts. – Cyanobacteria can ultimately be fatal to humans if we ingest a lot, but it is unlikely that you ingest so much, says senior researcher at the Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Sigrid Haande. In 2019 and 2021, several beaches at Lake Mjøsa had to be closed because the water became too toxic. Warns others Steinar Sønseth lost his dog, Sandy, to the cyanobacteria last year. He hopes people understand the seriousness. – It is sad that the algae continue this year. He has seen parents who take their children to play at the water’s edge, without knowing what is hiding in the water. Steinar Sønseth looks at the almost one-year-old warning sign. Photo: Herman Omland / news After Sønseth lost his dog, the municipality put up several warning signs. Take care of Taran Johanne Børnick works with environmental health care in Sandefjord municipality. She often mentions the dangers of the bacterium. Taran Johanne Børnick at Goksjø in Sandefjord. This is one of the lakes with blue-green algae. Photo: Herman Omland / news – This type of algae can produce toxins that can damage the liver. Inhaling water splashes can damage the lungs. It can also damage the nervous system, and cause allergic reactions. She emphasizes that the municipality works hard to share the message with the residents. Cyanobacteria Symptoms that you may have been exposed to cyanobacteria and their toxins: Asthma Skin, eye and ear irritations Swollen liver Nausea and vomiting Stomach disease Pneumonia-like symptoms Neurotoxins can lead to paralysis and death Source: National Institute of Public Health – We are concerned that people should learn themselves to observe before entering the water. As part of the work to raise awareness, the municipality has hung up warning posters in several places. The warning poster at Goksjø. Photo: Herman Omland / news Much of the industry in question comes from over-fertilization, among other things. It often seeps into the lake from the surrounding agriculture. Rule of thumb The director of the Norwegian Environment Agency, Ellen Hambro, believes that the development is problematic. – It is very serious when the development has come so far that toxic cyanobacteria destroy the ecosystem, and lead to people not being able to swim and enjoy the summer in their immediate environment, she writes on the directorate’s website. The bacteria can be green, blue-green, yellow-green or reddish-brown. They are easiest to see when they accumulate in clumps. But if they are many enough, the whole water can be colored. Green lumps with cyanobacteria / blue-green algae. (Archive image) Photo: Philip Hofgaard / news – A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to see the bottom at a depth of one meter, says Børnick. Expect more Miguel Angel Segarra Valls believes the problem will only increase. He is a biologist and water area coordinator in Tønsberg municipality. Miguel Angel Segarra Valls by Akersvannet in Sandefjord. Photo: Herman Omland / news – Algae are a natural element of the ecosystem. What we see globally is that these toxic blue-green algae bloom more frequently as a result of increased nutrients in the water and warmer temperatures.
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Several lakes have toxic bacteria – news Vestfold and Telemark – Local news, TV and radio
