When and How to Report Problems

Community, Policy & Reporting

See something off at the lake? Use this page to decide what to report, who to call, and what details to include so responders can act quickly.

Safety First

  • Emergencies: Fire, active spills with fumes, people/animals in immediate danger → call emergency services (911)
  • Personal safety: Don't enter water or enclosed spaces to collect evidence. Avoid contact with suspected bloom water or chemicals

What to Report (Common, Actionable Issues)

  • Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs)

    Paint-like streaks, surface scum, pea-soup water, unusual colors

  • Sewage or Chemical Spills

    Strong sewage/petroleum/solvent odors; discolored plumes; sheen that doesn't break into beads when poked

  • Fish Kills or Distressed Wildlife

    Many dead fish, gasping at the surface, oiled birds, tangled or injured loons/waterfowl

  • Illicit Discharges

    Pipes or hoses draining cloudy/colored/odorous water to ditches or directly to the lake

  • Erosion or Sediment Releases

    Muddy plumes from construction sites; collapsing banks; silt washing across roads into ditches

  • Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Suspects

    New dense plant mats, scratchy mussels on rocks/docks, star-shaped bulbils in sediments

  • Unsafe Conditions

    Missing hazard markers around aeration openings; blocked public access; large debris hazards

What Information Helps Most

  • Date/time of observation
  • Exact location: Lake name + nearest access/landmark; GPS if you have it
  • What you see/smell: Plain-language description (color, texture, extent, odor)
  • Extent & movement: Size estimate (e.g., "30×50 ft"), wind direction, and whether it's growing or drifting
  • Recent conditions: Heavy rain, strong winds, unusual heat/cold, construction nearby
  • Photos in words: If you can't share images, note features (e.g., "bright-green paint-like bands on leeward shore; brown scum caught in cattails")
  • Your contact info for follow-up (optional but helpful)

Who to Contact (Typical Routing)

  • Public health / environment office: HABs, beach advisories, sewage
  • Natural resources / fisheries / wildlife: Fish kills, distressed wildlife, AIS, habitat damage
  • Local government / road authority: Erosion from ditches, culverts, and construction runoff
  • Law enforcement / lake patrol: Active safety hazards, blocked public access, reckless operation
  • Lake association or watershed group: Coordination, volunteer checks, and communication to residents
Tip: Save a short list of non-emergency phone numbers and emails in your phone under a "Lake" contact.

Scripts You Can Use

Phone (non-emergency):

"Hi, I'm reporting a possible issue at [Lake, access/landmark] observed at [time/date]. I saw [plain description: scum/odor/fish dead] covering about [size]; wind from [direction]. Recent [storm/heat]. My callback: [number] if more detail is needed."

Email:

Subject: Observation at [Lake – brief description]

Hello, today at [time/date] at [location/landmark/GPS], I observed [plain description] about [size/extent]. Conditions: [wind/weather/recent rain]. Please advise on next steps. I can provide more details if needed. [Name, phone]

Do / Don't When Documenting

Do:
  • Use plain language; estimate area ("basketball-court sized"), direction of movement, and nearby features
  • Note any illness/exposure (people/pets) and actions taken (rinsed, sought care)
Don't:
  • Disturb potential evidence (e.g., moving boom barriers, collecting fish without guidance)
  • Post specific addresses or accuse individuals publicly; keep reports factual

After You Report

  • Log it: Keep a simple record—date, what, who you contacted, ticket/case number if given
  • Follow up once if you don't hear back; provide any changes (growth, clearing, shift in wind)
  • Share a brief notice with your lake group ("Reported muddy runoff at [site]; agency notified.")

Quick Reference (Pocket List)

  • HAB signs: paint-like scum, pea soup, turquoise/bright-green streaks → avoid contact; report
  • Sewage/chemical: strong sewage/fuel/solvent odors; rainbow sheen that doesn't break → report quickly
  • Fish kill: count and species if known; note size classes (minnows vs. large fish)
  • Runoff: muddy water leaving a site; silt on road → photos in words + location + rainfall notes
  • AIS: new dense mats; scratchy shells → location + "possible AIS" in subject line

Bottom Line

When in doubt, report with clear, neutral details and good locations. Fast, factual information helps responders act and keeps small problems from becoming big ones.

Related Topics

Key Takeaways

  • Call 911 for emergencies
  • Include date, time, exact location
  • Describe what you see in plain language
  • Estimate size and note wind direction
  • Keep reports factual and neutral
  • Save key contact numbers in your phone

Emergency vs Non-Emergency

Call 911 for:

  • Fire
  • Active spills with fumes
  • People/animals in danger

Non-emergency line for:

  • HABs
  • Fish kills
  • Erosion/runoff
  • AIS sightings

Essential Info

  • ☐ Date & time
  • ☐ Exact location
  • ☐ What you see/smell
  • ☐ Size estimate
  • ☐ Wind direction
  • ☐ Recent weather
  • ☐ Your contact info

Need Contact Numbers?

Contact your local lake association or county office for a list of non-emergency reporting numbers for your area.

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