Harmful algal bloom suspected on Austin Lake in Portage

PORTAGE, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County Health and Community Services Department has issued a public health advisory for Austin Lake in Portage. A suspected harmful algal bloom is under investigation in the water after samples yesterday came back positive for microcystin. That is a variety of cyanobacteria that can become toxic. People need to avoid touching or swallowing water that has a green sheen, appears blue-green, or looks like spilled paint.