Is there toxic algae in Lake Erie?

Since the late 1990s, Lake Erie has been plagued with blooms of toxic algae that turn its waters a bright blue-green. These harmful algae blooms are made up of cyanobacteria that produce the liver toxin microcystin.

Is Lake Erie polluted 2021?

October marked the end of the summer harmful algal bloom (HAB) season on Lake Erie. The 2021 Microcystis bloom had a final severity index (SI) of 6.0, much higher than in 2020 when the severity was 3.0. The forecasted bloom severity was between 2.0 and 4.5, an underestimate of the measured SI of 6.0.

Is algae bloom on Lake Erie?

Cyanobacteria blooms (blue-green algae) are a frequent occurrence in the Great Lakes, particularly in Lake Erie, Green Bay, and Saginaw Bay. These blooms may cause fish kills and discolored or foul-smelling water, affecting both human and ecosystem health.

Why is Lake Erie so toxic?

Lake Erie’s algae blooms are caused by runoff pollution. This type of pollution occurs when rainfall washes fertilizer and manure spread on large farm fields into streams that flow into Lake Erie. This fuels a bumper crop of algae each year that can make water toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

Is it okay to swim in Lake Erie?

Can you swim in Lake Erie? Generally speaking, Lake Erie beaches are safe to swim in.

Is Lake Erie getting cleaner?

The major sources of phosphorus reductions were phosphorus outputs at wastewater plant discharges; eliminating phosphorous from laundry detergent; and no-till farming practices. Because of the phosphorus reductions, our Lake became much more clear and clean.

Can you get sick from Lake Erie?

“Avoid all contact with the water.” The reason: The water was contaminated with algae-like cyanobacteria, which can produce toxins that sicken people and kill pets. This is the noxious goo that cut off about 500,000 Toledo-area residents from their tap water for three days in 2014 and made at least 110 people ill.

Is Lake Erie okay to swim in?