Algae, including blue-green algae (cyanobacteria), can form harmful blooms that impact water quality, wildlife, and recreation. Learn how algae blooms develop and how to manage them safely.
The beautiful fall colors will soon give way to barren trees and piles of fallen leaves around our yards and neighborhoods. The leaves decompose and restock the soil with nutrients and organic matter. However, those decomposing leaves may eventually make their way into lakes and rivers. They get washed down streets and into storm drains
Blue-green algae, technically known as cyanobacteria, are microscopic organisms that are naturally present in lakes and streams. Typically present at low number, blue-green algae can quickly become abundant in warm, shallow, undisturbed surface water rich in nutrients like phosphorous and nitrogen. Some blue-green algae produce toxins that could pose a health risk to people and