The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy; and the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development are reminding Michiganders to be aware of the potential for harmful algal blooms in bodies of water.

To help the public know where HABs have been reported, a new Michigan Harmful Algal Bloom Reports map is now available online at Michigan.gov/HABsMap.

HABs form due to a rapid growth of cyanobacteria, also called blue-green algae, which are naturally found in lakes, rivers and ponds. Toxins found in cyanobacteria that can be found in blooms can be harmful to people and animals.

People are asked to follow these recommendations if they believe they have found a HAB or have any suspicion of a HAB:

≤ Do not let people, pets or livestock in the water or near the shore in affected areas.

≤ Always rinse off people and pets after contact with any lake water.

≤ If there is a posted HAB advisory or closing, follow its instructions.

≤ You can still use unaffected areas of a lake unless a bloom covers most of the lake.

≤ Report suspected HABs to EGLE by e-mailing AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov with pictures of the suspected HAB. Reports can also be received via phone at 800-662-9278.