ALLEGAN, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The Allegan County Health Department has lifted the advisory for Swan Lake located in Cheshire Township. The advisory originally issued in July of this year was due to the presence of harmful algae blooms (HABs).
Health officials say that the cooler weather often reduces or stops harmful algae blooms, and that water samples tested on Wednesday, November 30 confirm there is no microcystin present in the tested areas.
Microcystin is a toxin that is released by some species of blue-green algae, or cyanbacteria.
Health officials also go onto say that 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 that is covered with algal mats or significant rafts of algae on the surface.
Advisories or closings for bodies of water throughout Michigan can be found by contacting EGLE at 800-662-9278 for more information about HABs and the environment.
The public at large is encouraged to 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, contact MDHHS at 800-648-6942.
For information about HABs and pets or livestock, call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) at 800-292-3939.
The ACHD can also be contacted at 269-673-5415 for more information and updates.
