What causes algal blooms?
Most challenges facing our region’s surface waters are human-induced, and algal blooms are no exception. Algae are natural and exist in water bodies worldwide, but an out-of-control algal bloom can have disastrous effects. Algal blooms are often encouraged by nutrient-rich runoff that is washed into water bodies from developed residential and agricultural areas when it rains. Just as fertilizers and nutrients increase plant growth in your yard, they encourage algal growth in rivers and lakes. These blooms are detrimental because they block sunlight from reaching underwater plants. As submersed aquatic vegetation dies and water bodies become less like their natural state, oxygen levels in the water lessen and water quality degrades.
