New online map helps track harmful algal bloom reports in Michigan

David Panian, The Daily Telegram
·5 min read
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An algal bloom in western Lake Erie is seen July 8, 2019, from the Landsat 8 satellite. Green patches show where the bloom was most dense and where toxicity levels were unsafe for recreational activities. Around the time of this image, the bloom covered about 300 square miles of Lake Erie’s surface, according to news reports.
An algal bloom in western Lake Erie is seen July 8, 2019, from the Landsat 8 satellite. Green patches show where the bloom was most dense and where toxicity levels were unsafe for recreational activities. Around the time of this image, the bloom covered about 300 square miles of Lake Erie’s surface, according to news reports.

LANSING — A new online mapping tool helps people know where harmful algal blooms in bodies of water have been reported in Michigan.

The Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Reports map is now available online at Michigan.gov/HABsMap.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers and ponds. Toxins found in cyanobacteria (cyanotoxins) that can be found in blooms can be harmful to people and animals.

“The new Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Reports map is an exciting tool to increase awareness of HABs and to help prevent related illness,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services chief medical executive, said in a news release. “If you may have had contact with or swallowed water with a HAB and feel sick, call your doctor or Poison Control at 800-222-1222. If symptoms are severe, get emergency medical attention as soon as possible.”

To provide more information on HABs statewide, MDHHS and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy developed the Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Reports map. The map, which will be updated weekly from June to November, shows bloom reports that have been verified by EGLE and the results of any cyanotoxin tests.

Not all HABs in Michigan are reported to EGLE and some may not be included on the map. HABs can move around, disappear and reappear — meaning that HABs may be present in waterbodies, but not present on the map. Before going in any water, MDHHS recommends looking for and keeping away from visible HABs or scums and that people and pets stay out of water in affected areas.

The map does not show any current blooms in Lenawee County waterways. In counties that neighbor Lenawee, the map shows a bloom with cyanotoxins detected at Lake LeeAnn in Hillsdale County as well as blooms with cyanotoxins at Ford Lake in Washtenaw County near Belleville, Sterling State Park in Monroe County and Luna Pier Beach in Monroe County.

The occurrence of cyanobacteria and their toxins typically takes place in the summer and fall and has been confirmed in lakes across Michigan in previous years. In 2021, 79 harmful algal blooms in 43 counties were reported to EGLE.

HABs look like water that has algal scums or mats, which looks like spilled paint or pea soup or has colored streaks on the surface. The HAB Picture Guide, which can be downloaded at tinyurl.com/HABpicguide, has examples of HABs, as well as other algae and plants mistaken for HABs. HABs usually occur from May through October, with most occurring in August and September. HABs can last for days or weeks and change in size, location and toxicity.

Breathing in or swallowing water with HAB toxins may cause illness, such as runny eyes or nose, asthma-like symptoms, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches or dizziness, the release said. Skin contact may cause rashes, blisters or hives.

If anyone thinks they have found a HAB or have any suspicion of a HAB:

• Do not let people, pets or livestock in the water or near the shore in affected areas.

• Always rinse off people and pets after contact with any lake water.

• If there is a posted HAB advisory or closing, follow its instructions.

• Unaffected areas of a lake can still be used unless a bloom covers most of the lake.

• Report suspected HABs to EGLE by emailing AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov with pictures of the suspected HAB. Reports can also be received via phone at 800-662-9278.

HABs and animal health

Animals, especially dogs, can become ill or die after contact with HABs. Signs of illness can include vomiting, diarrhea, staggering and seizures. To prevent illness in dogs, keep them out of areas with scums or discolored water, rinse them off after contact with any lake water and bring clean, fresh water for them to drink. If a pet or livestock animal become sick after contact with a suspected HAB, call a veterinarian right away.

Animal illness due to HABs is reportable to MDARD. To report cases, submit a Reportable Disease Form (found at Michigan.gov/dvmresources under "Reportable Diseases") or call 800-292-3939.

How to help prevent HABs

To reduce and prevent HABs, Michiganders should learn about pollution from excess nutrients, such as nitrogen and phosphorus. Excess nutrients may come from fertilizers, detergents, sewers and failed septic systems.

To decrease nutrients going into water:

• Use phosphate-free detergents.

• Dispose of pet waste properly.

• Apply fertilizer only when necessary, at the recommended amount. A buffer should be left when applying fertilizer near a lake or stream.

• Promote the use of natural shoreline, including growing native vegetation along the water’s edge.

• Join with a local organization or residents to develop or update a watershed management plan, which identifies pollutants causing water quality problems, sources of those pollutants and recommendations to reduce pollutant inputs.

Contacts for HAB questions

The new Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Reports map can be found at Michigan.gov/HABsMap.

Visit Michigan.gov/HABs for more information on HABs.

For more information on HABs and your health, call MDHHS at 800-648-6942.

For more information on HABs and pets or livestock, call the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development at 800-292-3939.

For more information on HABs and the environment, call EGLE at 800-662-9278.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: New online map helps track harmful algal bloom reports