07/21/2026
LAKE ORION WATER QUALITY UPDATE – 7/21/2026
On July 16th, LOLA posted a “Water Quality Alert”. Since then, Lake Orion Lake Association members (Caelin Craig and Michael Kellar) have spent a significant amount of time monitoring the lake for algae blooms, testing of water samples, and reporting our findings to EGLE for their review and analysis.
July 18th - The PLM w**d treatment on July 15th, changes in the weather, natural water movement, and other elements appear to have dissipated the blue-green algae that was previously visible in numerous areas of the lake.
July 20th - LOLA received feedback from EGLE as follows:” Thank you for your report and the abundance of information highlighting your concerns over water quality. After reviewing the photos and information, this does look like a potential harmful algal bloom. We advise avoiding contact with the affected area, but more clear areas of the waterbody can still be used for recreation.”
July 21 - The Lake appears to be back to normal, however, localized conditions can change quickly. Always remember the simplest rule of thumb for family and pets.
“IF IN DOUBT, STAY OUT”
For those who want to understand these water issues further, we provided the following educational awareness section below:
What is Blue Green Algae?
Blue green algae (cyanobacteria) are naturally occurring organisms found in most lakes, including Lake Orion. Some levels of this organism are normal and expected in a healthy aquatic ecosystem.
Why Blooms Happen?
Blooms can be triggered by both natural and human causes, including:
• Warm water, strong sunlight, calm weather
• Nutrient inputs (fertilizers, leaves, grass clippings, runoff)
• Natural ecological cycles
What to Look For?
Avoid the water if you see:
• Bright green or turquoise paint like streaks
• Pea soup water
• Floating clumps or mats
• Thick surface scum
• Musty or swampy odor
Foam vs. Bloom
Not all foam is harmful. There are two types of foam:
• Wind driven linear foam (“Langmuir lines”)
o Long, parallel streaks of foam lines created by wind patterns
o Most common type of foam
o Not associated with blooms
• Dissipating bloom foam
o Created when an active bloom breaks down and dissipates
o Often appears thicker and more concentrated
o Scene in isolated pockets near shoreline structure
Health & Safety Guidance – “When in Doubt, Stay Out!”
• Keep pets out of questionable water
• Avoid boating through visible scum
• Rinse with clean water if exposed
• Report on suspected blooms to EGLE and LOLA
Lake Orion’s Overall Health
Lake Orion remains a highly diverse and overall, very healthy aquatic ecosystem. However, localized conditions can change day to day. The presence of cyanobacteria does not mean the lake is unhealthy — only conditions occasionally align to create visible blooms.
As always. Thanks for all your support. Be safe out there!
Jim Barry, President Lake Orion Lake Association
_______________________________________________________________________
SAFETY*COMMUNITY *STEWARDSHIP
