KREMLIN, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has confirmed the presence of a harmful blue-green algal bloom in Bailey Reservoir in Hill County.
These harmful algal blooms (HABs) are not uncommon in waters on the Hi-Line in late summer and early full, and can pose health risks for people, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
HABs are caused by blue-green algae that are native to Montana’s freshwater lakes and reservoirs. They are not considered Aquatic Invasive Species.
DEQ says scientists believe these blooms are now occurring with increased frequency and for longer duration.
Blue-green algae blooms often look like pea soup, grass clippings, or green latex paint and are usually suspended in the water column or aggregated into floating mats.
Not all blue-green algae are harmful but some can produce dangerous poisons called cyanotoxins.
Direct contact with HABs may irritate the skin, eyes, nose, throat and respiratory system, or cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache or liver and kidney damage.
It is not clear if consuming fish caught during HABs poses a health risk to humans.
Bailey Reservoir is approximately 84 acres in size and is located south of Kremlin.
In past years, HABs have occurred at Bailey Reservoir, Cow Creek Reservoir (Blaine County), Bearpaw Lake and Beaver Creek Reservoir (Hill County) and Nelson Reservoir (Phillips County), among other places. When recreating at these reservoirs, please keep a lookout for HABs.
If you suspect an HAB-related illness in a person or animal, cal Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222.
HABs can be reported by emailing HAB@mt.gov or calling 1-888-849-2938.
