District Health Department #10 (DHD#10) was notified by the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) that algae blooms were detected on Lake Cadillac in Wexford County. 

EGLE noticed a bloom on the east and north shores of Lake Cadillac on Wednesday afternoon June 14, 2023. The water resources division (WRD) then collected samples on Wednesday afternoon near the boat launch and nearby beach. The results came back positive for microcystin, an algal toxin released by some types of algae in lakes or rivers. Algae blooms can form when there are high nutrient levels within bodies of water along with warm temperatures. Signs will be posted along the lake to notify individuals to avoid contact with the water in that area. 

“Algae blooms look like a green mat right on top of the water that smells bad and has a gelatinous texture to them,” stated Michael Kramer, Environmental Health Director for DHD#10. “The algal toxins that are released can be harmful to aquatic life, pets, and humans, so it is very important to avoid these areas.” 

Below are some steps to take when near waterways: 

• Avoid direct contact with waterways that appear to be scummy or have a green shade to them 
• Do not drink untreated surface water 
• Obey posted signage for public health advisories and/or beach closings 
• Limit or avoid eating fish from algal bloom impacted areas 

Contact with algae blooms can cause minor illness in humans but can be fatal to pets. Therefore, it is also recommended that people keep their pets out of the water that shows any signs of algae blooms. 

People and pets can experience the following symptoms after exposure to algae blooms: 

• Rash, hives, or skin blisters at the contact site 
• Runny eyes and/or nose, sore throat, asthma-like symptoms, or allergic reactions 
• Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, tingly fingers, numbness, dizziness, difficulty breathing, or even death resulting from ingesting contaminated water 

If you think that you or your pet have been exposed to algae blooms, take the following precautions: 

• Immediately remove yourself and/or your pet from the area  
• Take a shower and thoroughly rinse off pets with clean, fresh water if they swam in an area with algae blooms to avoid potential toxic ingestion from licking between paws or affected areas 
• Seek medical treatment for yourself and/or veterinary treatment for your pet as soon as possible if you think you or your pet may have been exposed to or ingested algal toxins 

If you would like to learn more about algae blooms, the Department of Great Lakes and Energy has more information on what algae blooms are, where they are located, and frequently asked questions here: https://www.michigan.gov/egle/about/organization/water-resources/assessment-michigan-waters/harmful-algal-blooms.