ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Due to the continued presence of harmful algae, a health advisory for Swan Lake in Allegan County will remain in effect until further notice.
It comes after state and local officials conducted tests earlier this month that confirmed the presence of the algal toxin microcystin, which the EPA notes as a potent liver toxin and possible human carcinogen.
Harmful Algal Blooms. (Photo courtesy Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)).
The EPA also notes that these types of toxins can kill livestock and pets who drink from affected waters.
The most recent testing took place on August 19.
State officials also reported that the bloom is still present in all parts of the lake to varying degrees, and thick accumulations of cyanobacteria were along the western shore of the lake.
The Advisory continues for visitors and residents of the lake to avoid water-related activities and keep pets from drinking the lake water.
The Advisory will be lifted once further testing shows no harmful algae in the water.
Actions to take:
- Avoid areas with scummy water in the lake or with water that looks like spilled paint or has a green sheen to it. These scums may contains flecks, foam or clumps.
- Avoid water-related activities in areas where the bloom is visible. Individuals that have skin contact, swallow large amounts, or play in the water are susceptible to illness. Read more here.
- Keep pets from drinking or playing in the lake water. Symptoms of illness from cyanotoxins often appear quicker in animals than in humans – sometimes in minutes to a few hours. Symptoms in animals can include vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, staggered walking, excessive salivation, convulsions, erratic behavior, or physical distress. Dogs should be thoroughly rinsed off or bathed with fresh water after contact with water that may contain algae, even if it’s not toxic algae.
For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/habs.
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