Beachgoers in South Haven may notice some green along the shore this weekend as green algae has become an issue.
Cladophora, a naturally occurring algae, has been washing up on beaches within South Haven the last few days. It can be pushed to the shoreline through high waves and winds.
South Haven City Manager Kate Hosier tells us the alga is much worse on the Wisconsin side of Lake Michigan. The city is working to clean it up.
“It is a naturally occurring algae,” Hosier said. “We’re going to pick it up as best we can if it continues to come on shore, and hopefully this is the last of it.”
The algae can sometimes be mistaken for sewage because it does have a smell. However, Hosier says it doesn’t pose a risk to humans.
“While it’s going to be smelly and a little gross, there’s organisms in there that feed on bacteria. That will attract a lot of seagulls and other birds. If you see the plume or if you see some algae on a lake shore, you might want to avoid it.”
The beaches in South Haven will remain open this weekend despite the issue.
