KOOTENAI COUNTY — The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality have issued an advisory for Black Lake in Kootenai County due to an active cyanobacterial bloom.

People and pets should stay out of the water completely. Exposure can cause skin irritation and upset stomach in humans, with more serious effects possible in animals that drink the water, said Idaho DEQ.

Cyanobacteria occur naturally but bloom when temperatures rise, releasing harmful toxins. The blooms can appear as mats, foam, surface scum, or spilled paint and often smell foul.

Officials recommend staying out of any questionable water and keeping pets away.

The advisory remains in effect until testing shows safe toxin levels.

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