State environmental officials issued a harmful algal bloom advisory on September 22 for Mom’s Lake in Corning, Arkansas, after visual confirmation of cyanobacteria. The Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment’s Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ) advises the public to steer clear of any water contact in the affected area.

What the bloom means for residents

Cyanobacteria, the organisms that create harmful algal blooms, can release toxins that cause headaches, weakness, shortness of breath, muscle spasms and gastrointestinal illness. DEQ stresses that these health effects can be especially dangerous for children, pets and livestock.

Precautions for families and animal owners

Anyone who has been in contact with the water should wash thoroughly with clean tap water. Animals that have been in the lake should be rinsed off and kept from ingesting any water or toxins while being cleaned. Parents are urged to keep children away from the shoreline and to supervise any outdoor activities near the lake.

Monitoring and next steps

DEQ is actively monitoring water quality at Mom’s Lake and will lift the advisory once the bloom dissipates. Residents who suspect a harmful algal bloom should avoid water contact and report their observations to DEQ by emailing [email protected] or calling 501‑682‑0744. Additional information is available on the DEQ’s harmful algal bloom webpage.

Why the advisory matters

Harmful algal blooms are a growing environmental concern across Arkansas’s waterways. Prompt public awareness and precautionary measures help protect community health and preserve the recreational value of local lakes. By acting quickly, Corning officials demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding families, pets and livestock from preventable health risks.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed through local news outlets and DEQ updates as the situation evolves.

Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.