![]() ![]() Learn more or sign up for a FREE educational LakeWise visit at . Most algae are harmless and are important parts of aquatic ecosystems, but some blooms produce toxins that pose a public health risk to people and animals. Even small reductions in phosphorus can make a big difference for your lake. Every coastal country in the world is potentially affected by harmful blooms of microscopic algae, also called phytoplankton. Snohomish County has a program called LakeWise which helps residents take simple, voluntary actions on their properties to reduce phosphorus pollution. Common sources are lawn fertilizers, pet and animal waste, septic systems and any bare soils or dirt which are rich in phosphorus. Phosphorus pollution mainly comes from homes and yards that are near the lake and is washed into the lake when it rains. The best strategy for managing algae blooms is to prevent them by reducing phosphorus pollution to the lake. When it dries, it makes great garden compost. Once removed, the algae should be taken away from the lake to decompose so nutrients don't wash back in causing more algae. Leave rooted aquatic plants undisturbed as they take up nutrients preventing more algae growth and may require permits to be removed. Blue-green algae blooms are traditionally the most toxic and found in rivers, freshwater lakes, ponds. If you have excessive growth of filamentous algae on your lake shoreline, you may be able to use a weed rake to remove. Decaying algae also release nutrients that trigger a new algae bloom. The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) began issuing weekly early season. Furthermore, they are not recommended as the cells release toxins as they die back. TOLEDO, OH An early harmful algae forecast is predicting a moderate bloom this summer on Lake Erie. Algaecides require extensive permitting and a licensed herbicide applicator. What are cyanobacteria Cyanobacteria grow naturally in water, usually freshwater, but. Be alert and avoid areas that are noticeably green or blue green, have algae-like. If your lake is experiencing an algae bloom there is not much that can be done besides to wait for the bloom to dissipate. Blue-green algae, or cyanobacteria, can produce a toxin that can be deadly to pets and harmful to humans. Conditions at the lake make the water susceptible to harmful algal blooms. Fr equent algae blooms are a symptom of excessive phosphorus pollution and a sign of declining water quality. While temperature and sunlight play a role in blooms occurring, often times excessive nutrients - particularly phosphorus - is the primary factor leading to blooms. When the type of algae in a bloom can produce toxins these are called - harmful algae blooms. Most lakes will naturally have an occasional algae bloom. Blooms of algae or cyanobacteria can harm people, animals, or the environment if the blooms Make toxins Become too dense Use up the oxygen in the water Release harmful gases Effects of climate change, such as warmer water, might be making blooms worse. ![]()
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