WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – A health advisory has been issued after a harmful algal bloom was found in Ford Lake in Ypsilanti.
A resident reported the bloom on Ford Lake on Sept. 10, 2024, and the Washtenaw County Health Department tested the water later that day. Testing found microcystin toxin levels about the EPA-recommended recreational limit, according to the health department.
The health advisory is in effect for areas of the lake with visible blue-green water or water with a green sheen. People and pets should avoid direct contact with scums in the lake, water that is blue-green, or water that looks like it has a green sheen or spilled paint on its surface. People and pets should also avoid swallowing the lake water.
Algal blooms have been known to sicken or kill dogs. Ford Lake has had harmful algal blooms in the past. People who choose to water ski, boat, or tube in areas with visible algal scums should be very careful. Breathing in water droplets with algae from boat spray may cause nose and throat irritation.
Swallowing large amounts of water containing cyanotoxins may cause flu-like symptoms, gastrointestinal illness, or neurotoxic symptoms. Symptoms include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Swallowing large amounts of cyanotoxins can harm the liver or kidneys.
Here’s what the Washtenaw County Health Department says to do:
- You can swim in the water but stay away from water that has scums or mats, looks like spilled paint, or has colored streaks. People and pets should rinse off after swimming.
- Keep children and pets away from algae in the water or on the shore.
- Do not let pets or livestock drink the water or eat scum on the shore.
- All fish should be caught and released and not consumed. Ford Lake is under a Do Not Eat Fish Advisory.
- Do not drink water from lakes, ponds, or rivers.
- When in doubt, keep people and pets out of the water.
- Call your doctor or veterinarian if you or your pet get sick after going in the water.
What are harmful algal blooms?
Different types of algal blooms occur in lakes and rivers. Most are not harmful, but some are made of cyanobacteria that can produce toxins -- these are known as harmful algal blooms. Sunlight, low-water, or low-flow conditions, calm water, water temperatures, and excess nutrients, can contribute to harmful algal blooms.
What to do if you see a harmful algal bloom:
- Do not let your children or pets play in HAB debris on the shore.
- After swimming or wading in lake water, even where no HABs are visible, rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible.
- Never swallow any lake or river water, whether you see HABs or not.
- Do not let pets lick HAB material from their fur or eat HAB material.
- Do not drink or cook with lake water.
- See a doctor if you or your children might be ill from HAB toxins. If your pet appears ill, contact your veterinarian.
More information about harmful algal blooms can be found at Michigan.gov. An interactive map of reported harmful algal blooms is also available at mdhhs.maps.arcgis.com