ALLEGAN, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 26, 2024) – The Allegan County Health Department (ACHD) received an alert from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) of a suspected blue-green algae, known as cyanobacteria or harmful algal blooms (HABs), at Duck Lake in Cheshire Township. Samples have been sent to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and MDHHS for additional testing. ACHD recommends that visitors and residents of the lake avoid water-related activities and keep pets from drinking or going in the lake water, where the bloom is visible, until sampling for testing is complete or the bloom breaks up. Advisory signs have been posted around the lake.

Summer is the peak season for forming HABs that can present health hazards to people and pets. In Michigan, algal blooms typically occur during warm temperatures, sun, and high nutrient levels.

It is not possible to determine whether algal blooms contain harmful toxins by looking at them, so it is best to avoid contact with any body of water covered with algal 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.

Actions to take in the Areas where the Bloom is visible:

• 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.

If you or your pet(s) have been 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

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 will provide additional updates as we learn more information.