ALLEGAN COUNTY, Mich. — The Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) said they found a blue-green algae bloom in Duck Lake in Cheshire Township. After sending samples to a lab for additional testing they found the samples exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommended standards for harmful algae blooms (HAB).
The health department recommended that any visitors to the lake avoid water-related activities and keep pets from drinking or entering the water where the bloom is visible.
Until the bloom breaks up or testing shows safe levels of HABs, you should follow the recommended guidelines. There will also be signs posted around the lake while it is unsafe.
Recommended guidelines:
- Avoid areas with scummy water in the lake or water that looks like spilled paint or pea soup, floating scum, or has a green sheen. These may contain flecks, mats, foam, sheens, streaks, or clumps.
- Avoid water-related activities in areas where the bloom is visible. Individuals who have skin contact, swallow large amounts, or play in the water are susceptible to illness.
- Keep pets from drinking or playing in the lake water. Symptoms of illness often appear quicker in animals than humans – sometimes in minutes to a few hours. Symptoms in animals can include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, staggered walking, excessive salivation, convulsions, erratic behavior, physical distress, and death.
- Do not boat or ski in water with HABs (it may create water spray in the air).
- Use caution if eating fish from impacted bodies of water.
- Do not water lawns or gardens with water from lake water because it may create a water spray in the air.
Guidelines for pets if they are exposed to HABs:
- Shower yourself and pet(s) immediately
- Contact your medical provider or veterinarian if you or your pet have ingested or been exposed to HABs
- Contact Poison Control at 800-222-1222 or call your medical provider if you have been exposed to or swallowed water with HABs and have symptoms
The ACHD advised that it is impossible to determine whether algal blooms contain harmful toxins just by looking at them. They said the best course of action is to avoid contact with any body of water that is covered with algae mats or significant rafts of algae on the surface.
You can search advisories or closings for bodies of water throughout Michigan online or contact EGLE at 800-662-9278 for more information about HABs and the environment.
Report suspicious-looking algae to EGLE by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or by emailing AlgaeBloom@michigan.gov. For more information on HABs and your health, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942.
For information about HABs affecting pets or livestock, call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at 800-292-3939.
You may also contact the ACHD for more information at 269-673-5415. ACHD said they will provide additional updates as they learn more information.
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