(COLDWATER) – A harmful algae bloom has been discovered in a lake in Hillsdale County.

The Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency has received from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Laboratories the final testing results of water samples taken from Round Lake on August 12. Those final testing results confirm a microcystin level of 8.4 ug/l which is slightly higher than the Environmental Protection Agency’s recommended level of 8.0 ug/l for recreational activity.

The CHA, in consultation with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, is continuing the public health advisory for a confirmed harmful algae bloom in Round Lake.

CHA Environmental Health Director Paul Andriacchi says Round Lake residents and visitors are encouraged to continue avoiding any discolored water, scums, or algae matter, including floating purple mats or clumps. He says algae blooms can last up to several weeks and toxin levels will vary until the algae die and decompose.

Algae blooms are a normal part of lake and pond cycle. Harmful algae blooms need sunlight, slow-moving water, and nutrients, like nitrogen and phosphorus. Nutrient pollution from human activities makes the problem worse, leading to more severe and more frequent blooms.

Some of the steps you can take to avoid illness include: Avoiding direct contact or swallowing water in an area with visible algae bloom; If no scum is visible, but you are unable to see your feet when standing knee deep, avoid bathing, immersion of your head or ingesting of the water; Shower or wash once ashore to remove algae material; Keep livestock and pets from drinking the water, and wash them off when they come on shore.