(COLDWATER) – During the summer, many people like to spend time on the lakes and rivers in our area.

However, the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency says to be on the lookout for scum, foams, globs, mats, green sheens or what appears to be spilled paint on local water bodies. If you see it, it may be Cyanobacteria, which is also known as “blue-green algae, which can in turn create Harmful Algal Blooms or HAB.

Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that occur naturally and are common in many water bodies, but some can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. When conditions are right, such as plenty of nutrients, warm temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and relatively calm conditions, they grow fast or ‘bloom’.

Cyanobacteria blooms can be green, blue, purple, red, brown, yellow, or white.

You cannot tell if an algal bloom is harmful just by looking at it. Suspicious-looking algae can be reported to EGLE by calling the Environmental Assistance Center at 1-800-662-9278.

The following actions can be taken to reduce health risks commonly associated with blooms: Stay out of the water and do not let children or pets play in the water or near the shoreline where you suspect an HAB may be present. Stay out of the water even if no scums are visible, but you cannot see your feet when standing knee-deep (after sediment has settled) avoid bathing, immersion of head, and/or ingestion of the water. Avoid recreational water sports like boating and jet skiing in visible scums or waters with a strong greenish coloration. After coming ashore, shower or wash to remove algal material.

If your pet comes into contact with what could be an algal bloom, rinse them off with fresh water right away to keep them from licking contaminated water from their coat.

Skin contact with HAB’s may cause irritation such as rashes, hives, or skin blisters. It may also cause runny eyes and nose or asthma-like symptoms. Contact with water spray from recreational water sports, like boating and jet skiing, may cause skin, eye, nose, or throat irritation. Swallowing large amounts of water having cyanotoxins in it may cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, numbness, headaches, dizziness, or difficulty breathing.

If you, your children, or pets become sick after contact with water that appears to have an HAB, contact your healthcare provider or veterinarian.