If You See This in Montana Waterways, Stay Out

• The Montana CDC has issued a warning to recreationists of waterways to be aware of HAB's, or "Harmful Algal Blooms"
• Recent HAB's have appeared at several popular destinations at Hauser Lake near Helena, Montana
• Users are warned to not enter the water and to keep pets away from any areas that may be infected

If You See This in Montana Waterways, Stay Out

Summer in Montana definitely means water recreation.  I mean, with so few months or even days to hit the lake or throw a chair on a beach at Holter Lake, we have to take advantage when we can.

via GIPHY

Unfortunately, Mother Nature can deal us a bad hand of cards that can drastically affect our weekend plans on those favorite lakes.  Algal blooms have started to appear in some pretty heavily used areas in the state.

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Hauser Lake Gets Hit in Two Hugely Popular Beach Area with HAB's

Two extremely popular areas for water recreation near Helena, Montana have been reported to contain dangerous harmful algal blooms (HAB's).  At Hauser Lake Recreation Area, both the White Sandy and Black Sandy beach areas now have these blooms.

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According to the Lewis and Clark Public Health social media page, one of those beaches tested positive for possible toxins:

Samples were collected and Black Sandy tested positive for microcystin. White Sandy did not test positive for any toxins.

Users in the area are being cautioned that the blooms could contain harmful toxins that could affect you or your pet's health:

Some cyanobacteria can create toxins that may harm people and animals. Use caution during a HAB event (or a potential HAB event) as your health can be impacted when you are near the water, consume the water, or swim in the water.

How to Report Sightings of a HAB in Montana Waters

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services encourages recreationists and landowners to report harmful algal blooms through the state website.  To report a suspected HAB, submit information here online or you can call 1-888-849-2938.

The department recommends the following if you or your pet has been exposed to a possible HAB:

• Talk to your health provider or veterinarian
• Call poison control 1-800-222-1222
• Call animal poison control 1-888-426-4435 (fee based)

You can learn more about HAB's through the MDPHHS website here.