This month’s News to Us covers several threats to Michigan’s waterways including the Huron River. Harmful algal blooms, PFAS and climate change are making headlines recently. Learn more at HRWC’s News to Us.

Photo by John Lloyd
The Huron River offers some great spots for viewing fall colors. Photo by John Lloyd.

Dangerous blue-green algae found in 2 metro Detroit lakes – Currently there is a harmful algal bloom (HAB) in both Ford and Belleville Lakes. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has issued an advisory in these reservoirs that recommends avoiding direct contact with water until further notice. This goes for both people and pets. HRWC has been working with partners since 1995 to reduce phosphorus to Ford and Belleville Lakes. These efforts have succeeded in lowering the phosphorus that enters the lakes by up to 40%, reducing chances of significant blooms. While we are disappointed to see blooms this year, we have not had a serious bloom over the past 6 years. Information can be found for Belleville Lake here and generally for HABs at the DEQ website

PFAS in the Huron River. There has been a lot of news coverage about a group of chemicals collectively referred to as PFAS, particularly in the Huron River Watershed where there is now a do not eat fish advisory. HRWC’s Laura Rubin shared some of the early information we have on this issue with Issues of the Environment.

Learn more about PFAS at two upcoming public events:

Check out HRWC’s PFAS web page with answers to the most commonly asked questions and the most up to date information we have.

Why a sudden spike in the temperature of the Great Lakes has scientists worried  This article discusses one way that climate change is hitting our region and our water.  With implications for fish population, e coli breakouts and harmful algal blooms, warming Great Lakes is worrisome.

Drive these roads for the most beautiful fall colors in Michigan  We are just beginning to see hints of color change on our trees but this annual spectacle will be upon us before we know it.  Take a look at this article for the best times and places to catch fall color including spots in Washtenaw and Oakland County.