POINSETT COUNTY, Ark. — The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s (E&E) Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has issued a Harmful Algal Bloom Advisory for Lake Hogue in Poinsett County.
The advisory comes after visual confirmation and preliminary testing revealed the presence of cyanobacteria, the organism responsible for the harmful bloom.
People should avoid contact with the lake water in the affected area. Harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that may lead to various health issues, including headaches, weakness, shortness of breath, muscle spasms, and gastrointestinal problems.
According to the DEQ, children, pets and livestock should exercise caution around the lake. If animals come into contact with the contaminated water, they should be washed immediately with clean tap water to prevent ingesting the toxins.
This situation is actively being monitored, and the advisory will be lifted once the bloom has been cleared.
Anyone who suspects a harmful algal bloom should avoid the water and report their observations. For more information or to report a bloom, contact DEQ at habs@adeq.state.ar.us or call (501) 682-0744.
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