SLEEPY EYE — The Sleepy Eye Lake beach was closed until further notice Wednesday due to the presence of toxic blue green algae.

The City of Sleepy Eye recommended the public avoid swimming, skiing, tubing, paddle boarding, wind surfing and other water activities when the algae is present.

“We closed the beach based on a recommendation from Brown County Public Health,” said Sleepy Eye Public Works Director Mike Hardin.

Brown County Public Health Director Jaime Brand said the Sleepy Eye Lake water condition was photographed after her department was contacted by the City of Sleepy Eye.

“Blue green algae was seen on the lake. Photos show is very clearly. We recommended they close it until further recommendations by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA),” said Brand. “It poses a pretty significant health risk to humans and animals. We’ll continue to work with the City of Sleepy Eye. We hope to get the beach and lake access open again soon.”