Blue-Green Algae
In recent years, toxins produced by certain blue-green algae species have been found in Lake Champlain. Algae toxins present a potential hazard to swimmers and their pets, and could affect drinking water collected during bloom periods.
However, not all algae produce toxins, and even those species that can produce toxins do not do so in all instances. Lake Champlain’s algae blooms are most likely to occur in shallow bays in the northeastern portion of the lake. Deep, cold water locations with fewer nutrients, such as the Main Lake, are less likely to support blooms.
Nuisance algae blooms result from too much phosphorus pollution in the lake. Reducing pollution is the key to minimizing future blooms. The Lake Champlain Committee’s work helps the pubic better understand the risks associated with blue-green algae blooms.
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on algae conditions on Lake Champlain, visit the Vermont Department of Health website. To help people distinguish blue green algae from other floating phenomena in the lake, the Lake Champlain Committee has prepared a pamphlet recognizing blue green algae in Lake Champlain (pdf).
LCC Blue Green Algae Monitoring Program
- A blue green algae monitor taking a sample at North Beach.
Photo by Lori Fisher
Each summer since 2004 LCC has partnered with the University of Vermont Rubenstein Lab, to expand blue green algae monitoring on Lake Champlain. LCC helps train and oversee citizen monitors who take weekly water samples from select shoreline areas. We also monitor several shoreline beaches, do visual site checks at additional locations, and serve as a first responder when blooms are underway. This program, which LCC initiated, provides critical data on where and when blooms are happening. The information we gather is used by public health officials to assess whether the water is safe for swimming. Volunteer monitors go out once per week from early July through Labor Day to collect samples and take them to designated drop-off locations.
What You Should Do If You See A Bloom
If you witness a bloom in your area, please report the information to LCC at 802-658-1414 or lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org.
Please include the time, date and location of your sighting as well as a description of what you observed and the extent of the bloom and your contact information.
Homeowner toxin test kits can be purchased for $20 by Vermont residents at the Vermont State Health Department Laboratory at 195 Colchester Avenue in Burlington or over the phone by credit card by calling 800 660-9997 ext. 2.
LCC's Past and Ongoing Projects
- Raised awareness of increase in blue-green algae blooms and pushed for research and monitoring to understand causes.
- Established and run a volunteer monitoring program in cooperation with the University of Vermont, designed to determine when algae blooms appear to be producing toxins and to inform the public through relevent health agencies when toxic blooms occur.
- Produced a brochure to help distinguish blue-green algae from other algae species and other floating phenomena in Lake Champlain.
- Conduct weekly surveys of public access points around the lake during the summer and report on algae bloom conditions.
Algae Monitoring Results Summary
Results from the Lake Champlain Committee's volunteer water monitoring program provide insight into the occurrence of blue-green algae blooms around Lake Champlain. In 2010, significant algae blooms developed early during a July heat wave. Evidence of the bloom was reported from Burlington south to Port Henry. These blooms cleared by mid-July. St. Albans Bay developed a bloom that persisted through much of July and into August. Blooms in Missisquoi Bay were less severe than in recent years and for the first time since 2007 no ‘high alerts’ (worrisome levels of actual toxins measured) were issued.
Comparison with recent years
| year | # Samples | low alerts | high alerts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 172 | 30 | 2 |
| 2010 | 187 | 17 | 0 |
| 2009 | 184 | 19 | 3 |
| 2008 | 172 | 21 | 3 |
| 2007 | 153 | 6 | 0 |
| 2006 | 149 | 48 | 3 |
| 2005 | 93 | 23 | 3 |
