What is an algal bloom? Algae blooms occur more frequently in the Spring and early Fall, and can multiply rapidly during warm weather. These blooms consist of cyanobacteria (also called blue-green algae), which can cause significant health impacts depending on their concentration in the water and exposure factors. Exposure to blue-green algae can cause skin and eye irritation, and may also cause gastrointestinal problems, neurological damage, and liver disease if water is swallowed.

Pets may become ill after exposure to blue-green algae, and pet fatalities following ingestion of contaminated water have been documented.

If you think your dog has gotten into a harmful algal bloom rinse them immediately, watch for symptoms, and report the bloom to your town’s Board of Health.

Read more about cyanobacteria.

Take Action to Prevent Algal Blooms

It’s safe to assume that any chemical or bacteria that’s on the ground can eventually wash into local waterways, either from rain, irrigation, or failing septic systems, and can potentially create algal blooms. With that in mind, it’s important to take the following precautions to keep waterways clean.

Use Fewer Lawn Chemicals

• Never fertilizer before a forecasted rainstorm.
• Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. Always follow directions and never add more than the directions call for.
• Consider switching to slow release and natural organic fertilizers instead of typical chemical fertilizers.
• Make sure to use fertilizer with no or low phosphorus, as phosphorus causes algae growth.

Dispose of Yard Waste Properly

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  Don’t leave yard waste in the street or sweep it into storm drains or streams.  Either bag it up for town pickup, take it to your local landfill, or re-use it as compost or mulch.

• Create a compost pile with your yard waste and use the nutrient rich humus in your gardens or potted plants.
• Use grass clippings or shredded leaves as mulch around shrubs and trees.  Mulch helps to suppress weeds and retain moisture. Mulch also contributes nutrients to the soil by gradually breaking down over time.
• Cover piles of dirt or mulch being used in landscaping projects to avoid runoff.

Always Pick up After Your Dog

• Bacteria from dog waste can runoff into local waterways, adversely affecting drinking water supplies and recreational opportunities, such as swimming, fishing, and boating.
• Deliberately leaving pet waste on the ground is not only unpleasant and unhealthy, it is often punishable by fines. Always pick up the waste and dispose of it in a trash can. 

Maintain Your Septic Systems