DCNR Good Natured Blog: Summer Heat Can Contribute To Growth Of Harmful Algal Blooms

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As water temperatures rise during the summer, the risk for harmful algal blooms (HABs) to occur increases. The typical season for these blooms is the middle of June to late August; however, it can extend through the fall months.

Harmful algal blooms -- sometimes called blue-green algae -- have occurred in the past in Pennsylvania on Lake Erie at Presque Isle State Park, and several other state park lakes.

People, and especially pets, should avoid exposure to harmful algal blooms.

HABs occur when certain kinds of microscopic organisms in a waterbody or waterway produce toxins or other harmful compounds in concentrations that can harm people, pets, or wildlife.

The microscopic organisms that most commonly cause HABs in Pennsylvania are known as cyanobacteria.

HABs have been observed worldwide in all types of water including lakes; ponds; retention basins; rivers and streams; and reservoirs.

DCNR is part of a multi-agency HABs Policy Task Force outlining steps to:

-- Monitor, respond, and prevent blooms

-- Make people aware of safe water recreational practices for preventing contact

-- Implement a notification system state parks and other lakes, waterbodies, and waterways statewide

Characteristics and Causes of Harmful Algal Blooms

A harmful algal bloom can look like foam, scum, or mats particularly when wind blows them toward a shoreline.

The blooms can be blue, bright green, brown, or red and are sometimes described as looking like paint floating on the water.

Some blooms are not visible at the water surface. As a bloom dies, it can smell bad -- similar to rotting plants.

A healthy waterbody generally contains a variety of different types of algae and other microscopic organisms present at any one time.

The concern occurs when this diversity decreases; and, instead, the waterbody becomes dominated by cyanobacteria capable of producing concentrations of toxins and other harmful compounds that can cause illness.

Visual conditions often can indicate a potential HAB, but some never produce a high enough concentration to be toxic. HABs can only be identified with water testing.

Blooms generally occur when there are warm, sunny, calm conditions and where there are high levels of nutrients present.

People can contribute to the presence of nutrients in runoff of fertilizer from yards and fields, in urban stormwater runoff, and in treated wastewater.

How to Limit Exposure to Harmful Algal Blooms

To limit exposure you should follow safe practices:

-- Stay out of water that has foam, scum, or discoloration

-- Do not swallow untreated surface water or let pets drink

-- Avoid inhaling lake or river water

-- Don’t let children or pets play in debris on shore

-- Don’t drink or cook with suspected water -- treatments like boiling, bleach, or water filtration units offer no protection from HAB toxins

-- Wash your hands after contact with untreated water

-- Shower or bath people and pets with fresh water as soon as possible after water recreation activities

-- Pay attention to any waterbody advisories or closures

Harmful Algal Blooms Can Make People and Pets Sick

Dogs are much more susceptible than people to being poisoned after exposure to a harmful algal bloom from drinking the water, eating mats or scum, having skin contact with the water, and grooming after leaving the water.

They are often attracted to the odor. Signs of toxic poisoning in pets include: Excessive drooling; Weakness; Staggered walking; Difficulty breathing; and Convulsions

If you suspect your dog has been exposed, call your veterinarian right away.

People also can get sick with symptoms, including: Rashes; Eye and nose irritation; Abdominal pain and diarrhea or vomiting; Numbness of lips and tingling fingers and toes; Dizziness; and Headache.

See a doctor if you think you might be ill from exposure to a bloom.

How Will You Know if There is a HAB?

Confirmation of an HAB can only be made by testing for their toxins with a field or laboratory test.

Pennsylvania state parks will communicate with visitors when elevated risks from HAB exposure are identified that would change recommended recreational uses and practices around the water.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides additional information about harmful algal bloom-associated illnesses.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offers resources on nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms..

For more information about HABs in Pennsylvania, contact HABs@pa.gov.

  For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

Resource Link:

PA Sea Grant: Harmful Algal Blooms: Questions & Answers

Related Articles - Algal Blooms:

-- DEP Our Common Wealth Blog: What Are Harmful Algal Blooms And What Should You Do About Them? 

-- PA Assn. Of Environmental Professionals Host Lake Erie Algal Bloom Factors Webinar Aug. 4

-- DEP Environmental Ed Grant Helps Fund Algal Bloom Education In Erie

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[Posted: July 23, 2020]  PA Environment Digest