Algal blooms can hurt wildlife and make water too dangerous to drink.

Two weeks ago Local 4 first showed you how algae had taken over parts of Lake St. Clair that were creating a smelly mess.

Algae has taken over parts of Lake St. Clair, ruining what residents say was once a million-dollar view of the lake in Harrison Township.

Learn about the characteristics of harmful algal blooms before coming into contact with bodies of water.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. – Health officials are reminding residents and visitors that a public health advisory for harmful algal blooms in Ford Lake in Ypsilanti remains in effect. Do not swallow the lake water. READ: Help Me Hank: Keeping your pets safe from toxic algaeSome algal blooms are made of cyanobacteria that have the ability to produce toxins, causing a harmful algal bloom. A Ford Lake resident notified the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services of a suspected harmful algal bloom earlier this summer. READ: Washtenaw County residents cautioned about potential toxic algal bloom in Ford LakeWhat you need to know

CENTRAL LAKE, Mich. A northern Michigan lake thats famous for its turquoise waters is facing an outbreak of brown algae thats left its sandy bottom covered with mushy, squishy mats. Rick Welsh, a part-time lakeshore resident, said the brown algae was first noticed about a decade ago, but now the golden-brown algae grows in thick mats and sticks to the otherwise sugar-sand bottom of the lake in Antrim Countys Torch Lake, according to the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Its oozy, yucky and mucky, Welsh said. It easily comes up when disturbed.Welsh, a member for the Torch Lake Protection Alliance, said that there are investigations into the algae with results due in the fall. Officials with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, have said it appears to be a non-harmful form of algae.

WASHTENAW COUNTY, Mich. Officials with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Washtenaw County Health Department issued a public health advisory Thursday for a suspected harmful algal bloom (HAB) in Ford Lake. There are different types of naturally occurring algal blooms that may be seen on lakes and rivers. Additionally, recent testing confirmed microcystin toxin in the water, indicating the possibility of a HAB, but inspectors did not observe one. People can water ski, boat and tube but it is advised that caution be taken in doing so in areas with visible algal scums. Ford Lake is under a Do Not Eat Fish Advisory.