Are you dealing with lake closures or green, scummy water?

The culprit might be cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae. This guide will help you understand, identify, and manage these potentially harmful blooms in your lake.

What Are Cyanobacteria?

Cyanobacteria are microscopic organisms that can rapidly multiply in warm, nutrient-rich waters, forming harmful algal blooms (HABs). These ancient organisms can pose modern threats to lake health. Despite their name, these microscopic creatures aren’t true algae, but bacteria capable of photosynthesis.

Signs of a Cyanobacterial Bloom

• • Water turns green or blue-green
  • Scum forms on the water’s surface
  • Unpleasant odors
  • Beach closures due to water quality concerns

In small numbers, cyanobacteria are a natural part of aquatic ecosystems. However, when nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen are abundant, they can multiply rapidly, turning water green and even producing toxins dangerous to humans and animals. Symptoms of exposure can range from skin irritation to severe liver damage.

Causes of Cyanobacterial Blooms

• • Excess nutrients (phosphorus and nitrogen) from:
    • • Fertilizer runoff
      • Septic system leaks
      • Stormwater runoff
  • Warm water temperatures
  • Stagnant water conditions

Health Risks of Cyanobacteria

Exposure to cyanotoxins can cause:

• • Skin irritation
  • Gastrointestinal issues
  • Liver damage in severe cases
  • Dangers to pets and wildlife

Cyanobacteria thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters with little water movement. Climate change and increased nutrient runoff are making blooms more frequent and severe in many lakes. Reducing nutrient inputs through proper septic system maintenance, minimizing fertilizer use, and maintaining shoreline buffers can help.

Preventing Cyanobacterial Blooms

• Reduce nutrient inputs:
  • • Maintain septic systems
    • Minimize fertilizer use
    • Create shoreline buffer zones
• Improve water circulation with lake aeration
• Use beneficial bacteria treatments to compete with cyanobacteria

Lake aeration discourages cyanobacteria growth by circulating water and increasing oxygen levels.. 

What to Do If You Suspect a Bloom

• Avoid contact with the water
• Keep pets away from the lake
• Report the bloom to local health authorities
• Consider professional lake management services

A proactive approach to lake health can prevent cyanobacterial blooms and keep your lake safe and enjoyable all season long. If you are concerned about harmful algal blooms in your lake, contact us today.