CORNING, Ark. — State environmental officials issued a harmful algal bloom advisory Sept. 22 for Mom’s Lake after cyanobacteria were visually confirmed.
The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality advised the public to avoid contact with water in the affected area.
Cyanobacteria are the organisms that make up a harmful algal bloom. Some blooms may produce toxic substances that can cause headaches, weakness, shortness of breath, muscle spasms and gastrointestinal illnesses, according to DEQ.
Officials urged people to be especially cautious about exposure involving children, pets and livestock. Animals that come into contact with the water should be washed with clean tap water and kept from ingesting toxins while their coats are being cleaned.
DEQ said it is monitoring water quality at the lake and will lift the advisory when the bloom dissipates.
Anyone who suspects a harmful algal bloom should avoid contact with the water and report it to DEQ by emailing ee.habs@arkansas.gov or calling 501-682-0744. More information is available on DEQ’s harmful algal bloom webpage.
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