Summer Heat brings an increased risk of Cyanobacteria (Blue-green algae)
LOOK before you SWIM.
This holiday weekend and all summer long, as you make plans to enjoy the local lakes and ponds, please be mindful of potential for Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs).
HABs are toxic blue-green bacteria overgrowths that form thick scum, foam, or paint-like streaks on calm waters, such as lakes and ponds.
HABs often have a strong, unpleasant odor. High temperatures, calm water, and nutrient runoff (like fertilizers and stormwater) create the perfect environment for toxic bacteria to multiply rapidly in our local waterways.
While not every algae bloom produces toxins, some blue-green algae can be harmful to people and pets.
When in doubt, stay out!
Keep your family and your pets safe by following these safety tips:
🚫Don’t swim or wade in blooms
🚫Don’t boat, water ski, or jet ski through blooms
🚫Don’t eat fish from lakes with blooms
✅Always shower with soap and water as soon as possible after swimming
Don’t let pets drink from water experiencing a bloom
Don’t let pets eat cyanobacterial scum or lick it off their fur
Wash your pet with clean water right away if they swim or wade in water during a bloom
Seek care from a vet right away for pets with sudden, severe symptoms such as staggering, drooling, or vomiting after exposure
Potential health risks include:
People: Contact with affected water may cause skin irritation, rashes, eye irritation, or allergic reactions. Swallowing contaminated water can lead to stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other symptoms.
Pets: Dogs are especially at risk because they may drink lake water or lick algae from their fur after swimming. Exposure can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, difficulty walking, seizures, liver damage, and in severe cases, can be fatal.If you see water that looks like:
Bright green paint
Blue-green scum Thick mats or surface streaks...it's best to avoid swimming, wading, or allowing pets to enter the water.
For more resources:
To Report a bloom: