Blue Green Algae

What is it?

Microorganisms in the water

What causes it?  

A combination of elevated water temperatures, excess nutrients in the water and abundant sunlight can cause the algae population to explode.

What does it look like?

Scum on the water or discoloration in the water.  Could be green, blue, brown or red.

What should you do?

Stay out of it.  Avoiding scum and staying out of the backs coves and inlets is the best way to avoid it.  Call your local health department to report it.

Where is it found?

Blue-green algae has always been around.  In the hot summer months it can concentrate and “bloom.”  It is found in slow-moving, hot stagnant water.  Mostly it is found at the back of coves and inlets.  There will likely be no algae blooms in the middle of the lake.

What can you do to help?

You can help prevent algae in the water by not polluting it.  This means no excess fertilizer going into the streams and rivers, no manure from livestock, no septic systems that drain into the creeks or rivers, and no other things thrown into the rivers and streams (like tires and trash).  Also, no excess use of insecticides and herbicides on lawns and gardens.