RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has released a guide to help people recognize algal blooms in beaches and lakes this summer.
Algae are microscopic organisms that provide oxygen and food to the animals in their ecosystems. Most do not pose a threat, but certain types can be dangerous. According to the department, an algal bloom is when algae species “multiply rapidly” and a large number of cells are found in the water.
The department has released several tips for people to identify algal blooms. The main things they advise people to look for are:
Discolored water: some algal blooms result in the water turning a red or brown color
Murky water: cloudy water can indicate increased algae cells
Odor: as algae cells bloom they release odorous gases
Film on the surface: algae cells will often sit at the water’s surface
Picture of harmful algal bloom (Photo: VDH)
As the summer months arrive, more people will be heading out to their favorite swimming spots across the state. Warmer weather means it is prime time for algal blooms, and while they are naturally occurring, they still have the potential to harm humans and their pets.
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website. To submit observations of harmful algal blooms, use their online report form.
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) has released a guide to help people recognize algal blooms in beaches and lakes this summer.
Algae are microscopic organisms that provide oxygen and food to the animals in their ecosystems. Most do not pose a threat, but certain types can be dangerous. According to the department, an algal bloom is when algae species “multiply rapidly” and a large number of cells are found in the water.
The department has released several tips for people to identify algal blooms. The main things they advise people to look for are:
Discolored water: some algal blooms result in the water turning a red or brown color
Murky water: cloudy water can indicate increased algae cells
Odor: as algae cells bloom they release odorous gases
Film on the surface: algae cells will often sit at the water’s surface
Picture of harmful algal bloom (Photo: VDH)
As the summer months arrive, more people will be heading out to their favorite swimming spots across the state. Warmer weather means it is prime time for algal blooms, and while they are naturally occurring, they still have the potential to harm humans and their pets.
For more information, visit the Virginia Department of Health’s website. To submit observations of harmful algal blooms, use their online report form.