Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy reminds those venturing out to enjoy the Great Lakes and smaller bodies of water that this is the time of year when you start seeing algae blooms, and some of those blooms can be harmful.

It’s that time of year when you start seeing blooms of algae on the water. Some of it can be harmful. https://t.co/ktsY9pUSfj

— Michigan EGLE (@MichiganEGLE) July 28, 2020

The Michigan EGLE says long stretches of hot weather, stagnant water and too much fertilizer use can encourage the growth of algae blooms that are potentially harmful to both people and animals.

The blue and green blooms pose an especially strong risk to the very young, the very old, and those with underlying health conditions.

The Department says to watch out for blooms that often look like spilled paint due to their thickness and bright color.

If you see water with an unhealthy green tint and aren’t sure if it’s safe for you to swim in, you can find contact information for the state’s environmental officials at https://www.michigan.gov/egle.