Green algal bloom. An algal bloom becomes harmful when it produces toxins.
Green algal bloom. An algal bloom becomes harmful when it produces toxins. View Dashboard in Full-Screen Cyanobacteria (or blue-green algae) can produce toxins at levels that are harmful to humans, pets, domestic animals, and wildlife. While algae is quite common, there are times when it can become harmful under the right circumstances when excess nutrients are present. Jun 14, 2025 · Humans (and our pets) can be exposed to harmful algal blooms through accidental ingestion while swimming, by inhaling water spray (aerosols) during water recreation (such as boating), or by being in the water where a bloom is occurring. According to the EPA, surface discoloration, fish kills, and “thick, mat-like accumulations on the shoreline and surface” indicate an algal bloom is underway. The excessive algal growth, or algal bloom, becomes visible to the naked eye and can be green, blue-green, red, or brown, depending on the type of algae. Feb 26, 2025 · Impacts of climate change like warmer water, saltier freshwater and sea level rise might lead to more intense harmful algal blooms occurring in more waterbodies. Algal blooms often are green or blue-green, although golden-brown algae, or diatoms, are common and can give a lake or pond a brown or cloudy appearance. Algal blooms are the result of a nutrient, like nitrogen or phosphorus from various sources (for example fertilizer runoff or other forms of nutrient pollution), entering the aquatic system and causing excessive growth of algae. Apr 29, 2025 · Whether treading water in a river or diving into a reservoir, summer fun should come with a little caution. . This means there will not always be an advisory posted near the water or online to warn you that a body of water has a harmful algal bloom. Jan 9, 2024 · Harmful algal blooms are the rapid growth of algae or cyanobacteria in water that can harm people, animals, or the environment. If you're still experiencing issues, please visit our Blue-Green Algal Bloom Weekly Reports. As temperatures climb, so does the risk of potentially harmful cyanobacteria blooms — commonly known as blue-green algae — that can pose serious health risks to people, pets and livestock Best experienced with Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge browsers. Algae is a simple, nonflowering, typically aquatic plant that can conduct photosynthesis. An algal bloom affects the whole ecosystem. Government agencies and other organizations are not able to monitor all bodies of water for harmful algal blooms. Sep 8, 2025 · Blue-green gross-out: What is toxic algae, why it blooms and what we can do about it Every summer several Washington lakes and river sections, including a few at state parks, close due to toxic algae blooms. There is no way to detect toxins in an algae bloom except through laboratory analysis. Going in or near water with a harmful algal bloom can make you and your animals sick. What is a harmful algal bloom? A harmful algal bloom (HAB) occurs when toxin-producing algae grow excessively in a body of water. Aug 2, 2024 · Blue-green algae are a natural part of the ecosystem. Algae can “bloom” or grow rapidly under ideal conditions, which include warm water temperature, calm conditions, and certain nutrients in the water. Both the table and map are updated regularly with the latest information as advisories are issued and lifted throughout the season for monitored water bodies. Mar 8, 2024 · Why it's important Learning to recognize signs of a harmful algal bloom, and staying out of water if you see one, can help you avoid getting sick. Current cyanobacteria harmful algal bloom (CyanoHAB) recreational use health advisories are listed in the table below and displayed on the Oregon Harmful Algal Bloom Advisories map. Stay out if water looks discolored, has scum, or smells bad. Your best bet is – "When in doubt, keep out!". az6b wjru6j kxs 9uffw x3fwu2ip wj3pa l7a 6g9 xb7of yw41