CORNING, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment (ADEE) issued a harmful algal bloom advisory on Friday, Sept. 22, for Mom’s Lake in Corning after confirming the presence of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae.
The Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ), part of the ADEE, urged the public to stay away from the lake’s water due to potential health risks. According to DEQ, cyanobacteria can sometimes produce toxins that may cause symptoms such as headaches, weakness, shortness of breath, muscle spasms, and gastrointestinal problems if people or animals come into contact with contaminated water.
State officials are especially concerned about the risks to children, pets, and livestock. People are advised to ensure animals exposed to the water are washed thoroughly with clean tap water and to prevent them from ingesting lake water during the cleaning process.
DEQ officials stated they are monitoring water quality at Mom’s Lake and will lift the advisory when the harmful bloom clears. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to report any suspected harmful algal blooms to DEQ by emailing ee.habs@arkansas.gov or calling their hotline at 501-682-0744.
More details about harmful algal blooms, including safety precautions and updates, can be found on DEQ’s harmful algal bloom webpage.