Lake researchers are once again tracking the whereabouts of algae blooms in Lake Champlain. On the surface, this may not sound like a tremendously important activity, but certain kinds of algae can be toxic and have caused serious grief to North Country residents in the past.
The Lake Champlain Committee oversees a monitoring program in which staff members and volunteers collect water samples in search of evidence that blue-green algae is present. This is the kind of algae that can be poisonous and was linked to the 1999 deaths of two dogs that unfortunately drank lake water at Point au Roche that was tainted by the toxic growth.
It’s not as simple as identifying the bluish-green algae pools floating on the lake surface, however. Results of samples taken are sent to the University of Vermont where they are put through extensive tests to determine if they are the correct species of algae and if they actually contain the toxins of concern.
We do not want to promote a panic or imply in any way that people should avoid using Lake Champlain because toxic plants have been identified in its waters. We do want to promote precaution and a proactive response to blue-green algae, which is a natural part of the lake’s ecosystem.
Algae grow whenever conditions are appropriate, and warm water is ideal for the aquatic plant life. With this summer’s hot temperatures, evidence of blue-green algae has surfaced earlier than in the past few seasons, when the temperatures were much cooler. We can only guess that the remaining several weeks of summer will continue to offer blue-green algae superior conditions to grow.
The first step in protecting ourselves is to identify what might potentially be blue-green algae. Blooms are generally green or blue-green in color but may also be brown or purple. The water may be cloudy or look like thick green-pea soup. A thick mat or foam may appear when the bloom washes ashore.
If you have seen what you suspect is a blue-green algae bloom, call 1-800-439-8550 to report the potential culprit. That will initiate the process for collecting, testing and confirming whether it is a toxic bloom.
The Vermont Health Department has weekly updates on its website, including a map that identifies specific locations where alerts have been issued for elevated levels of toxic blue-green algae. Visit http://healthvermont.gov to get a feel for what is happening on the lake.
Take the concerns seriously. Don’t be afraid of Lake Champlain but be aware of your surroundings. We don’t advise people to stay out of the woods because of poisonous mushrooms. Just take proper precautions to protect you, your loved ones and your pets.
taken from the Press-Republican