Water Hazards

Blue Green Algae

Watch out for blue-green algae blooms in waterways and avoid swimming in water where visible scum or mats of blue-green algae are present during the summer months. 

Exposure to algal blooms may cause you to have the following symptoms: sore throat, congestion, cough, wheezing, difficulty breathing, eye irritation, itchy skin, red skin, hives, earache, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

Measures to protect you, family, and animals from harmful algal blooms:

• Do not swim in water that looks like “pea soup”, green or blue paint or that has a scum layer or puffy blobs floating on the surface.
• Do not boat, water ski, etc. over such water.
• Do not let children play with scum layers, even from shore.
• Shower and wash hands after swimming in lakes, rivers and ponds.
• Do not fish from lakes where algal scum is present.
• Do get medical treatment right away, if you think you, your pet or livestock might have been poisoned from algal toxins.
• Do pay attention and respect water body closures and health advisories.

Visit the WI Department of Natural Resources and the WI Department of Health Services for additional information on blue green algae.

Fish Consumption Advisories

The two most common water contaminants found in rivers, streams, and lakes in Wisconsin are PCBs and mercury and which most consumption advisories are based. However at some sites, elevated levels of other pollutants, including dioxins and PFOS, a type of PFAS, are the basis for special fish consumption advice. For guidance on safe fish consumption check out Choose Wisely: A Health Guide for Eating Fish in Wisconsin. 

Visit the WI Department of Natural Resources for current fish consumption advisories.