North Dakota officials are monitoring dozens of lakes and reservoirs for harmful algal blooms and are asking residents to be on alert during recreational activities.

Lake Tschida in Grant County and at least seven other bodies of water are under active advisories.

Laxmi Prasad, assistant professor and extension water engineer at North Dakota State University, said hot temperatures and nutrient runoff create favorable conditions for harmful algal blooms. Prasad pointed out they can look like blue or green scum on the water surface and can pose health risks for humans, pets and agricultural animals.

"If anybody (is) in doubt whether there is an algal bloom in the water body that you're accessing or using, if you're in doubt, just stay out of it. If you know it clearly, then you must stay out of it," Prasad recommended.

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Prasad noted people can experience rashes, diarrhea or more serious issues if they come in contact with harmful algal blooms. Some cases can even be fatal. People can check water conditions and report any suspected harmful algal blooms at DEQ.North Dakota.gov.

Joshua Wert, watershed program manager for the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, said the state’s response program relies heavily on reports from the public. But Wert notes most people do not appreciate the significance of each listing, given the agency's limited resources and the more than 400 recreational lakes, rivers and reservoirs across North Dakota.

"Folks that want to go out and recreate and enjoy their spring, summer, and fall in the water and on the water, we want to make sure that we have clean water and provide those recreational opportunities for everyone," Wert emphasized.

He added everyone plays a role in keeping algal blooms at bay because everyone plays a part in feeding them.

"It's from anybody that would be fertilizing their lawn to the timing of fertilizing any agricultural fields to whether or not you pick up your pet's waste. Highly populated areas, smaller towns, there's a lot of different sources for that nutrient runoff to get into water bodies," Wert outlined.

Still, Wert added the number of warnings and advisories this year is significantly lower compared to previous years. Last year, there were a total of 26 alerts issued for harmful algal blooms during peak season, which lasts through September.