Buffalo Lodge Lake, located near Granville in McHenry County, has been added to a growing list of state waters that the North Dakota Department of Health has identified as having harmful algae blooms and issued an HAB advisory.

A HAB advisory means the water contains a high amount of algae, and possibly blue-green algae, that is known to be harmful to humans, livestock, and pets.

The DOH has issued HAB advisories for 20 lakes in the state. To date no warnings have been issued by the DOH. Warnings are issued when tests show a water body to contain a high concentration of blue-green algae and any contact with the water should be avoided.

Blue-green algae outbreaks are often associated with high temperatures and low water levels and generally occur in July and August.