Harmful algal bloom confirmed in Lake Mary Ronan
Public urged to take caution?
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
News from Lake County Environmental Health
LAKE MARY RONAN — A Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) has been confirmed in Lake Mary Ronan, near the northeast shoreline of the lake. Recreators are encouraged to take precautions when swimming or wading in the water. Blooms can impact human health and sicken or kill pets.
A local reported the bloom and the Lake County Environmental Health Department collected several water samples on Aug. 7. Oscillatoria, a type of harmful algal species that can produce toxins known as cyanotoxins, was identified in one of the samples from the northeast shoreline. No cyanotoxins were detected in the samples. Cyanotoxins can be produced at any time when a bloom is present and remain in the water column even after the bloom has visually dissipated.
When in doubt, stay out. Do not drink, swallow, or swim in water that shows signs of a HAB and keep kids, pets and livestock out. Direct contact, ingestion, or inhalation of the toxins may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, or cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, muscle weakness or liver and kidney damage. Rinse off with tap water immediately if you think you or a pet have come in contact with a HAB. If you suspect a HAB-related illness in a person or animal, call your health care provider or veterinarian, or if it is an emergency, call Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222.
Harmful algal blooms most often occur in Montana’s reservoirs and lakes. Common characteristics of HABs include green, blue, light brown or gold coloration and the appearance of grass clippings or paint spilled on the water’s surface.
Harmful algal blooms happen when cyanobacteria, also known as blue green algae, rapidly grow out of control. These organisms are native to Montana and are naturally found at low, safe densities in many freshwater systems. HABs typically form when there are lots of nutrients available and when the wind is calm and sky is clear. HABs do not always release toxins. Water sampling is the only way to determine if toxins are present.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) maintain a website where people can submit and view reports of suspected HABs at: HAB.mt.gov. State agencies will work with the local jurisdiction to sample for the presence of toxins and monitor the incident. Recreationalists may check the website and view the map of reported blooms, health advisories, and information associated with reports. The site also has photos and information on how to identify a HAB.
DEQ will post confirmed HABs at HAB.mt.gov and on Facebook throughout the summer. Follow @MTDEQ for updates.
About Lake County Environmental Health:
Lake County Environmental Health Department addresses the interaction between human health and the environment. For more information, please visit: https://www.lakemt.gov/169/Environmental-Health
About DEQ:
At the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, our mission is to champion a healthy environment for a thriving Montana. DEQ is charged with maintaining and improving Montana’s air, land, and water. For more information about DEQ programs, please visit: deq.mt.gov
