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HomeMy WebLinkAboutJuly 2025 Utility InsertAlgae’s impact on people and petsBlue-green algae blooms can be found in the summer in ponds, lakes, and streams. Some blooms contain toxins called microcys-tins, which can be dangerous to dogs and other pets, and cause skin irritation, rashes, and flu-like symptoms in humans. Not all algae are toxic; but when in doubt, stay out and follow this advice from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH): • Never drink untreated sur-face water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain algae toxins or other bacteria, par-asites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed. Microcystin information: bit.ly/MicrocystinInfo State and County beach monitoring info: bit.ly/BeachMonitoringIDNR • People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has surface scum. This includes swimming, water skiing, tubing, boating, etc. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae. This is especially important for dogs as they may lick the algae off their fur to clean themselves. • Seek medical attention if symptoms occur while in contact with untreated surface water, such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties. These symptoms are unusual, but may occur in sensitive individuals. QUESTIONS? Contact the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services at 1-800-972-2017. Algae’s impact on people and pets Blue-green algae blooms can be found in the summer in ponds, lakes, and streams. Some blooms contain toxins called microcys- tins, which can be dangerous to dogs and other pets, and cause skin irritation, rashes, and flu-like symptoms in humans. Not all algae are toxic; but when in doubt, stay out and follow this advice from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH): • Never drink untreated sur- face water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain algae toxins or other bacteria, par- asites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed. Microcystin information: bit.ly/MicrocystinInfo State and County beach monitoring info: bit.ly/BeachMonitoringIDNR • People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has surface scum. This includes swimming, water skiing, tubing, boating, etc. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae. This is especially important for dogs as they may lick the algae off their fur to clean themselves. • Seek medical attention if symptoms occur while in contact with untreated surface water, such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties. These symptoms are unusual, but may occur in sensitive individuals. QUESTIONS? Contact the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services at 1-800-972-2017. Algae’s impact on people and pets Blue-green algae blooms can be found in the summer in ponds, lakes, and streams. Some blooms contain toxins called microcys- tins, which can be dangerous to dogs and other pets, and cause skin irritation, rashes, and flu-like symptoms in humans. Not all algae are toxic; but when in doubt, stay out and follow this advice from the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH): • Never drink untreated sur- face water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain algae toxins or other bacteria, par- asites, or viruses that could cause illness if consumed. Microcystin information: bit.ly/MicrocystinInfo State and County beach monitoring info: bit.ly/BeachMonitoringIDNR • People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has surface scum. This includes swimming, water skiing, tubing, boating, etc. If contact does occur, wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae. This is especially important for dogs as they may lick the algae off their fur to clean themselves. • Seek medical attention if symptoms occur while in contact with untreated surface water, such as skin, eye or throat irritation, allergic reactions, or breathing difficulties. These symptoms are unusual, but may occur in sensitive individuals. QUESTIONS? Contact the Iowa Department of Health & Human Services at 1-800-972-2017. Donate to help your neighbor with their monthly utilitiesDonations to the Iowa City Utilities’ Assistance Fund help your neighbors reduce their utility bill through the City’s Utility Discount Program. Eligible residents can receive a discount of 75% off the minimum water and sewer charges, 75% off the monthly stormwater charge, and 75% off the refuse, recy-cling, and organics charges each month. Gifts can be made with a one-time payment or on a recurring monthly basis, and may be tax deductible. To donate, scan the QR or visit icgov.org/utilities to fill out a donation form.For more information or to see if you qualify for utilities assistance, visit icgov.org/utilities or contact the Revenue Division.revutilityonline@iowa-city.org 319-356-5066 Donate to help your neighbor with their monthly utilities Donations to the Iowa City Utilities’ Assistance Fund help your neighbors reduce their utility bill through the City’s Utility Discount Program. Eligible residents can receive a discount of 75% off the minimum water and sewer charges, 75% off the monthly stormwater charge, and 75% off the refuse, recy- cling, and organics charges each month. Gifts can be made with a one-time payment or on a recurring monthly basis, and may be tax deductible. To donate, scan the QR or visit icgov.org/utilities to fill out a donation form. For more information or to see if you qualify for utilities assistance, visit icgov.org/utilities or contact the Revenue Division. revutilityonline@iowa-city.org 319-356-5066 Donate to help your neighbor with their monthly utilities Donations to the Iowa City Utilities’ Assistance Fund help your neighbors reduce their utility bill through the City’s Utility Discount Program. Eligible residents can receive a discount of 75% off the minimum water and sewer charges, 75% off the monthly stormwater charge, and 75% off the refuse, recy- cling, and organics charges each month. Gifts can be made with a one-time payment or on a recurring monthly basis, and may be tax deductible. To donate, scan the QR or visit icgov.org/utilities to fill out a donation form. For more information or to see if you qualify for utilities assistance, visit icgov.org/utilities or contact the Revenue Division. revutilityonline@iowa-city.org 319-356-5066