This summer, remember to use caution when spending time on or in waterways, as harmful algal (cyanobacteria) blooms are possible on any body of water.
Avoid contact with a body of water that:
• looks like spilled green or blue-green paint
• has surface scums, mats, or films
• has a blue or green crust at the shoreline
• is discolored or has green-colored streaks
• has greenish globs suspended in the water below the surface
The Illinois EPA also advises you to keep pets out of water that may contain cyanobacteria. Do not allow pets to drink from the water, swim in the water, or lick their fur after being in contact with water containing a cyanobacteria bloom.