Blue-green algae in creek behind house, never been there before this year

[Mr. Ed]

Is blue-green algae a sign of poor health in waterway?

 

[Paco Dennis]

I know blue-green algae is a basic component in evolution. Maybe a new specie is being born there.

 

[dilettante]

https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/blue-green-algae-and-harmful-algal-blooms

Though often referred to as algae, blue-green algae are not algae at all, but types of bacteria called cyanobacteria. They are normally present in bodies of water and common in Minnesota. This type of bacteria thrives in warm, nutrient-rich water. When conditions are right, the blue-green algae can grow quickly forming “blooms.” Certain varieties of blue-green algae can produce toxins that are linked to illness in humans and animals.

Most likely culprit: fertilizer runoff.

 

[MarkD]

I know to keep my dogs out of it.

 

[Twostep]

Have you talked to your County Extension Office?

 

[JustDave]

Who can keep up with biology? In high school there were two kingdoms of living things. That seemed to be sacrosanct. Two years later in college there were three. Now I think it's 8 and under debate.

 

[George1959]

"Warm nutrient rich water"

I'd harvest them and offer them to my relatives as a very special meal.

(A for the case that someone thinks this is a serious answer).

 

[dilettante]

I know to keep my dogs out of it.

I doubt that dogs are likely to eat it though. Most of them instinctively know better than to try to eat kale.