Algae in your lake or pond can make you ill.

State health officials warn that you can also get sick by eating shellfish containing the toxins produced by these algae called “harmful algal blooms.”

Airborne bloom toxins may cause breathing problems and trigger asthma attacks.

SC DHEC is looking for harmful algal blooms in stagnant water.

The harmful algal blooms occur when colonies of algae – simple plants that live in freshwater and the ocean – grow out of control.

Their toxins harm not only people but fish, shellfish, marine mammals and birds.

Many algal species may be linked to nutrients, mainly phosphorus, nitrogen and carbon, from lawns and farms.

You may see them as foam, scum or in thick layers of algae on the surface of water which looks and smells bad.

Bryan Rabon, manager of DHEC’s Aquatic Science program, said, “You can’t tell if an algal bloom is harmful just by looking at it.

“Some blooms can’t be seen because they stay at the bottom until they’re disturbed.

“A good rule of thumb is, if you suspect an algal bloom, keep away from it and enjoy the water in an other area.”

“There’s a potential risk that bacteria or other organisms could make you sick when you’re swimming,” Rabon said.

“That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy our lakes, rivers and beaches, it just means you should heed any signs posted that notify of any current water quality concerns.”

DHEC tests SC water quality in the ocean, lakes and rivers monthly.

Visit DHEC’s Harmful Algal Bloom webpage for more information.