SISTER LAKES — Blue-green algae gained national attention in areas around the U.S. including Georgia, North Carolina and Texas after dogs that have come in contact with the algae have died.

Blue- green algae are a natural component of pretty much every lake, pond and system, said Gary Kohlhepp, of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy.

Silver Creek Township Supervisor Bill Saunders said he knows lakes in Sister Lakes have algae, but has never received reports or complaints about the blue-green, harmful, algae blooms.

During the months of August and September when temperatures are hot with a lot of sun, and there is less wind or precipitation to break up the algae, cyanobacteria is more likely to have higher levels, Kohlhepp said. Cyanobacteria is the toxin found in the blue-green algae.

“It’s not unusual for that to happen in Michigan lakes this time of year,” Kohlhepp said.

However, he considers the blooms to not be widespread.

Out of the 10,000 lakes in Michigan, Kohlhepp said his department does not receive many reports. However, there are lakes where it is an issue during this time of year.

While Kohlhepp said the blooms are usually visible, they can take difference forms of appearance. One common type is described as a bright fluorescent green paint spill. Another type could look like a gray, blue-green metallic color.

“If you see those types of accumulation on the service, that is a good indicator that you might have cyanobacteria,” Kohlhepp said. “In those cases, we recommend people do not come in contact with it.”

Kohlhepp advised pet owners to not allow their animals in the water because it is easily digestible and can get on an animals’ fur. They could also ingest the algae if the pet cleans themselves.

“In the vast majority of cases, when the water is clear, its usually pretty safe in terms of the algal toxins these blue-green algae can produce,” Kohlhepp said.

In order to do short term preventative care, Kohlhepp said many lake associations will apply for a permit through the EGLE department. The lakes then usually work through consulting firms, which will apply treatment to knock out those blooms or, in some cases, for aquatic plants. The EGLE department also has a specific process to treat the lakes if harmful algal blooms are an issue. The spraying is only a short-term solution, Kohlhepp said. 

“You can knock it out for a little while, but more than likely, it’s going to come back,” Kohlhepp said. “That’s a short-term approach to dealing with the problem, but in some cases, that is the best option.”

In Silver Creek Township, where several lakes in Sister Lakes are located, Saunders said the individual lake associations are responsible for lake management and working with consulting firms to schedule these practices, such as spraying.

Currently, Kohlhepp said the department uses an Excel spreadsheet broken down by year to track green-blue algae blooms.

“The important thing for people to know is in the vast majority of cases when there is a problem, it’s visible,” Kohlhepp said. “We tell people, ‘when in doubt stay out.’ When you see a surface accumulation of algae, even if you are not sure if it’s the cyanobacteria, why take the chance?”

Kohlhepp said as more cases are being brought to the public’s attention, he thinks more veterinarians are becoming aware of the issue.

“If you or the pet come into contact with [blue-green algae], rinse off, give the dog a bath,” Kohlhepp said. “Certainly, if you see any symptoms in your dog — behaviorally or acting strangely — get to your vet immediately.”