Actually Blue-green algae is not algae. It is a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria that are normally present in many ponds and lakes. The perfect conditions for a blue-green algae bloom is stagnant water, warm weather, sun and nutrient rich conditions (like excess phosphorus) just right for this algae to bloom. When these conditions all come together, blue-green algae will grow rapidly. The surface of a clear pond or lake will become covered with a bluish green slurry, although it can also have a brown or reddish color to it. Blue-green algae blooms are a problem and contributes to unhealthy water conditions, but most are not toxic.

Some blue-green algae can produce toxins:

Blue-green algae, if left unmanaged can become so bad that it produces toxins. Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) like blue-green algae can produce toxic cyanobacteria. When blue-green algal blooms produce cyanotoxins (toxins produced by cyanobacteria) it can kill pets, waterfowl and other animals like livestock that drink from the water.

How can you tell if a pond has Blue Green algae?

Learn how to identify blue-green algae and report it to your local health department. Blue-green algal blooms are described as looking like spilled green paint. Sometimes these algae blooms cover small portions of the lake with little visible algae present. Blooms can also give off a bad odor when the cells break down.

What can you do to better protect your pond?

Aeration - It is critical to implement a continuous management plan. A proactive approach is necessary to keep problems at bay. Installing a sub-surface pond aeration system is key to loading up the pond with oxygen and greatly reduce the odds of your pond developing toxins from blue-green algae. Pond owners traditionally use [FURL=https://discount-pumps.biz/floating-fountains.htm]floating aerating fountains[/FURL] to increase aeration, however ponds that are deeper than 6’ will need an additional bottom aeration system.

Beneficial Bacteria - To achieve complete ecological balance, beneficial bacteria should also be used to help expedite the elimination of muck and sludge at the bottom of the pond or lake to improve water quality and increase the depth.

Blue Pond Dye – Applying organic blue pond Dye partially blocks the sunlight, which reduces the available energy for algae to grow.

Reducing Nutrients for algae growth - HABs can develop naturally, but have been a problem for many years due to pollution and urban sprawl. Limit the use of fertilizers that contain nitrogen and especially phosphorus that can seep into lakes and streams and contribute to algae blooms. Use fertilizers that do not contain phosphorus.

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Resources:

Washington State Department of Health

International Institute for Sustainable Development

Minnesota Pollution Control Agency