Blue-Green Algae & Harmful Algal Blooms

Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms found in freshwater lakes and reservoirs. Under certain conditions they can grow rapidly, forming harmful algal blooms (HABs) that affect water quality, ecosystems, and public health.

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Understanding Algal Blooms

Learn about cyanobacteria, their appearance in our waterways, and the potential impact on environmental health.

Blue-green algae are microscopic organisms commonly found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. Although they are often referred to as algae, they are actually a type of bacteria known as cyanobacteria.

Under favorable environmental conditions such as warm temperatures and high nutrient levels, these organisms can multiply rapidly and form large visible blooms on the surface of the water.

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The Risk

Individuals most at risk from harmful algal blooms (HABs) are lakefront property owners. These residents live along freshwater lakes and are often the first to experience the negative impacts of toxic blooms.

Lakefront communities are also the primary users of Eget Liber’s harmful algal bloom mitigation services.

Health and Safety

Some harmful algal blooms produce toxins capable of affecting the central nervous system, liver, and other organs in humans and animals.

Pets are particularly at risk because they may drink contaminated water while swimming. In severe cases, exposure to highly toxic blooms can cause serious illness.

For this reason, many environmental agencies recommend avoiding contact with water that shows visible signs of algal blooms.

The Problem

Cyanobacteria typically bloom during warmer months when water temperatures rise. With nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus entering lakes through runoff or wastewater, algae can grow rapidly and form dense blooms that disrupt aquatic ecosystems.

How Big Is the Problem?

Harmful algal blooms have increased significantly in recent years due to rising water temperatures, nutrient pollution, and changing environmental conditions. Today, they are reported in lakes and reservoirs worldwide, posing a growing environmental and public health concern.