Possibly Toxic Algae Found on Woods Creek Lake

LAKE IN THE HILLS, IL — Village officials have closed Woods Creek Lake to recreational activities after confirming the presence of blue-green algae on the lake. Blooming blue-green algae can be mildly toxic to humans, village officials said. Additional tests are being conducted to determine any toxicity as well as the stage of the bloom to attempt to estimate how long it may be present on the lake.

On Tuesday, officials with the McHenry County Department of Health ordered the closing of Indian Trail Beach due to high bacteria levels. That same afternoon, public works staff noticed what was believed to be blue-gree algae in Woods Creek Lake near an inlet at the Crystal Lake Road bridge, according to a news release.

Employees took photos and sent the pictures to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. They also collected water samples for an independent testing. Both beaches were preemptively closed and water condition statuses updated to recommend refraining from recreational activities, including fishing, swimming and boating, on the lake.

On Thursday, the IEPA visually confirmed the blue-green algae bloom.

On June 11, the Illinois Department of Public Health issued a statement suggesting that conditions were favorable for the growth of this type of bacteria across all bodies of water in the state of Illinois.

"Unfortunately, this is a naturally occurring bacterial growth and there is nothing that could have been done to prevent it, nor is there anything that can be done to treat its presence," according to a news release from the village of LITH.

Lake conditions are being monitored and notice will be provided when the water conditions at Woods Creek Lake improve for recreational use.

IEPA Blue-Green Algae Fast Facts

• Blue-green algae can reproduce very quickly in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water that receives a lot of sunlight. This rapid growth of algae is referred to as a “bloom.”
• When a blue-green algal bloom is producing toxin(s), the bloom is referred to as a Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB).
• Most blue-green algal blooms are not harmful, but the blooms that produce toxins can be.
• The most common symptom from exposure to algal toxins is skin irritation with onset occurring after direct contact with the water. Other symptoms can include: nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, allergic reactions, or difficulty breathing.
• The safest thing to do is to treat every algal bloom as if it could be dangerous.

IEPA Frequently Asked Questions

• How do I know if I am being exposed to blue-green algae? Blue-green algal blooms can look like blue or green paint spilled into the water, thick puffy blue or green foam on the surface of the water, or swirling colors beneath the surface of the water. Blue-green algal blooms can also have distinct smells. Odors have been described as grassy, fishy, or a septic odor, which in some cases can cause nausea.
• How can blue-green algae or HABs be harmful to my health? While most blue-green algal blooms are not harmful, the blooms that produce toxins can be. Health effects can occur when surface scums or waters containing high levels of algal toxins are swallowed, come in contact with skin, or when airborne droplets containing toxins are inhaled. The most common symptom from exposure to algal toxins is skin irritation with onset occurring after direct contact with the water. Other symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, throat irritation, allergic reactions, or difficulty breathing.
• Are children more vulnerable than adults to blue-green algal toxins? Yes. Children may be more susceptible to the effects of algal toxins due to lower body weight. Children tend to have more sensitive skin than adults, so a skin rash or reaction is more likely. Also, children are more likely to engage in activities that allow water to be swallowed or inhaled. Children should always be supervised when swimming in any body of water.
• How can I reduce exposure to blue-green algae or algal toxins?
  • Avoid contact with water that is discolored or has scum on the surface. This includes, but is not limited to: swimming, water skiing, tubing, boating, etc.
  • If contact does occur, immediately wash with soap and water or rinse thoroughly with clean water to remove algae.
  • Never drink untreated surface water, whether or not algae blooms are present. Water from lakes, rivers, or streams may contain other bacteria, parasites or viruses, as well as toxins that could cause illness if consumed.
• Can I eat fish caught in water with high amounts of blue-green algae or algal toxins? Toxins from algae can accumulate in the entrails (guts) of fish and occasionally in the muscle (filet) of fish. Concentrations of toxins in fish depend upon the severity of the bloom in the area where the fish are caught. Since there is uncertainty about the levels of algal toxins that can accumulate in filets, anglers may want to wait a week or two after the algal bloom has dissipated before eating fish from waters where a bloom had occurred.
• What do I do if exposed? Shower immediately. See a doctor (or vet for a pet!) if symptoms occur. You can contact the Illinois Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 for advice specific to your exposure circumstances.