Health Department issues warning about toxic algal blooms

Hill County Health Department has announced on their Facebook Page that Montana State Unversity-Northern researchers and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have identified Potential harmful algal blooms in Beaver Creek Reservoir, Bailey Reservoir and Bear Paw Lake.

The post says these blooms are blue-green in color and are capable of producing toxins that can sicken or even kill humans as well as other animals.

It says the MSU-N researchers have found the toxin levels are high enough to pose a health risks at Beaver Creek Reservoir.

Conditions may change at any time on those reservoirs, the post said.

It advised people to avoid contact with water from these reservoirs and not to drink it and to keep children and pets and other animals including livestock and horses away from the water.

It also said boating on these areas should be avoided and any fish obtained should be thoroughly cleaned and guts should be discarded.