WINONA LAKE, Ind. — Kosciusko Lakes and Streams has been awarded a $200,000 grant for research on blue-green algae. The funding from the K21 Health Foundation will help KLAS look into the cause of the algae in area lakes and how to stop it.

“Lakes and streams are vital to the community. We want to acknowledge how important water is to the health of residents in Kosciusko County. We’re thrilled to renew our commitment with KLAS in researching ways to take preventive action against the blue-green algae concern,” said Rich Haddad, K21 Health Foundation President and CEO.

KLAS hopes to better understand what causes blue-green algae to grow in local lakes and how it can be stopped.

“Blue-green algae is one of the most important human health issues related to lakes in northern Indiana. We appreciate K21’s contribution to our research along with support from Grace College, private donors, and other local foundations,” said Dr. Nate Bosch, KLAS Director.

Blue-green algae produce varying levels of toxin that can put human health at risk. Skin contact can cause skin irritations or rashes while ingestion can result in liver and kidney disease or even death. KLAS will use the grant funding to study blue-green algae toxin levels to protect county residents from potentially hazardous lake conditions.

“I thank the K21 Health Foundation, a truly important county asset, for joining with KLAS in this vital county research” said Grace President, Ron Manahan. “I am grateful for the fine work of Dr. Bosch as he leads KLAS, a research center on the Grace campus. Our campus is privileged to serve our county through this research initiative.”

Source: Kosciusko Lakes and Streams