LANSING, Mich. — A public health advisory has been issued for Morrison Lake in Ionia County.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services along with the Ionia County Health Department issued the advisory warning residents to avoid contact with "scummy water" in the lake.
They said in a press release that water that looks like spilled paint or water that has a sheen to it should be avoided.
People and pets should not make any body contact with this water and should not swallow it.
Water samples were taken on Aug 20.
The Ionia County Health Department released the following information on the lake:
Algal Blooms:
Although most algal blooms are not harmful, there are some that are a type of cyanobacteria that have
the ability to produce toxins – and can result in a harmful algal bloom (HAB). These toxins can affect
the liver, nervous system, and/or skin.
The type of toxin that can produce a HAB was detected in 2 of 2 samples from Morrison Lake taken on
Aug. 20, 2019. The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) intends
to take additional samples this week. Residents should remain cautious about contacting algae or
potential HABs until additional samples of the lake test clear of algal toxins.
What causes HABs to form?
Some factors that can contribute to HABs include sunlight, low-water or low-flow conditions, calm
water, warmer temperatures, and excess nutrients (phosphorus or nitrogen). The primary sources of
nutrient pollution are runoff of fertilizers, animal manure, sewage treatment plant discharges, storm
water runoff, car and power plant emissions, and failing septic tanks.
How dangerous are HABs?
If you touch HABs, swallow water with HAB toxins, or breathe in water droplets, you could get a rash,
have an allergic reaction, get a stomach ache, or feel dizzy or light-headed. HABs also are harmful to
pets. Always look for HABs before going in the water. Check for any posted HAB advisories.
What should I do if I see a HAB?
Do not drink untreated surface water, whether or not blooms are present. Remember, boiling the
water will not remove the toxins.
Obey posted signs for public health advisories and/or beach closings.
Do not allow children or pets to play in or drink water where algae or scum is present.
Do not boat at high speeds, water-ski, or swim in areas of the lake where algal blooms are present. Avoid direct contact with the lake water or sprinklers.
Do not water lawns, gardens, or golf courses with water from impacted lakes or ponds because it aerosolizes the water.
Individual property owners should not use algaecides because of the risk of releasing toxins directly into the water. Treatment requires a permit from EGLE.
Do not have direct contact with mussels or other bivalves (i.e., zebra mussels) from impacted areas.
Limit or avoid eating fish from impacted areas. If fish are consumed, eat only the filets - remove guts and liver and rinse filets in clean drinking water. Always follow the Eat Safe Fish waterbody-specific guidelines or Statewide Safe Fish Guidelines, even if a waterbody does not look impacted, available here.
The following symptoms may be present after contact with an algal bloom:
Skin contact may cause:
o Rashes, hives, or skin blisters (especially on the lips and under swimsuits).
Breathing aerosolized (suspended water droplets) lake water mist from recreational activities and/or lawn watering can cause:
o Runny eyes and noses
o Sore throat
o Asthma-like symptoms
o Allergic reactions
Swallowing contaminated water can cause:
o Severe diarrhea/vomiting and abdominal pain
o Abnormal liver function
o Kidney toxicity
o Weakness, salivation, tingly fingers, numbness, dizziness, difficulties breathing, or death
And, if you think you've been exposed to one, you should do the following:
Remove people from the exposure and seek medical treatment if symptoms occur.
Thoroughly rinse off pets with clean, fresh water if they swam in an area with an algal bloom. If they lick their fur after leaving the water, they may ingest large amounts of the toxin.
Seek veterinary treatment as soon as possible if you think your pet might have been poisoned by toxic algae.
This advisory is in place until further notice.
Want to see more local news ? Visit the FOX47News Website.
Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere.
Download our free app for Appleand Android
and
Sign up for newsletters emailed to your inbox.
Select from these options: Breaking News, Severe Weather, School Closings, Daily Headlines and Daily Forecasts.
