COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says the final test results from Round Lake in Hillsdale County confirmed a microcystin level of 8.4 ug/l which is slightly higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended level of 8.0 ug/l for recreational activity. The agency received the results from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Laboratories on Tuesday of the water samples taken from Round Lake on August 12, 2022.
The Community Health Agency, in consultation with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is continuing the public health advisory for the confirmed harmful algal bloom in Round Lake.
Environmental Health Director Paul Andriacchi says, “Round Lake residents and visitors are encouraged to continue avoiding any discolored water, scums, or algal matter, including floating purple mats or clumps. Algal blooms can last up to several weeks and toxin levels will vary until the algae die and decompose.”
Steps you can take to avoid illness:
o Avoid direct contact or swallowing water in an area with visible algae bloom. This includes swimming, boating, tubing, skiing, playing in or allowing pets in the water in active bloom areas.
o If no scum is visible, but you are unable to see your feet when standing knee deep (after sediment has settled), avoid bathing, immersion of your head or ingesting.
o Wear clothing that is loose fitting in the openings to reduce chances of rashes.
o Shower or wash once ashore to remove algal material.
o Livestock and pets should not drink from the water. They should be washed off when ashore to keep them from licking contaminated legs, faces, paws, bellies, and coats.
o Contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian if you, your child, your livestock, or your pet become sick after contact with the water.
o To learn more about HABs, visit www.michigan.gov/habs.
Algal blooms are a normal part of lake and pond cycle. Harmful algal blooms need sunlight, slow-moving water, and nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrient pollution from human activities makes the problem worse, leading to more severe and more frequent blooms. You can help reduce nutrient pollution by:
Choose phosphate-free detergents, soaps, and household cleansers.
When walking your pet, pick up after them and keep their waste away from waterways and waterbodies.
Inspect your septic system annually to ensure proper function.
When washing vehicles and watercraft, use nontoxic, phosphate free soaps and wash them on grass of gravel to filter the runoff before it enters the lake or stream.
Residents and visitors to water bodies are encouraged to report suspected Harmful Algal Blooms to the Environmental Assistance Center at 800-662-9278 or email AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov. Sending photos is helpful to investigating staff.
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