Harmful algal bloom (HAB) experts from Wisconsin, Illinois and Ontario provided numerous insights into the challenges of monitoring and responding to blue-green algae blooms and their economic and public health impacts.
Challenges mentioned included a lack of funding and staff for DNR and health departments to fully monitor HABs and their toxicity and a lack of reporting of HABs because it isn’t easy to report or people don’t know how to identify them. In terms of public health, the experts noted illnesses caused by HABs in people and pets are likely underreported because people don’t realize the cause of their symptoms. There is no diagnostic test to show an illness is due to harmful algal bloom toxins. One concern brought up is that exposure pathways aren’t fully known.
What can citizens do about HABs? Learn to identify HABs and report them. Replace manicured lawns with natural vegetation near water sources to slow runoff. Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers, which run off into water and may kill off competitors to harmful algae. Make sure septic systems are maintained and are adequately sized for the number of people using them; this is particularly important for vacation properties that may host large groups.
The panel also provided numerous resources for learning more about HABs. Links to those resources are included below the video.
Thank You to Our Panelists
- Gina LaLiberte, Statewide Harmful Algal Bloom Coordinator and Inland Beach Monitoring Coordinator, WDNR
- Laura Meteer, Drinking Water Quality Group, Civil Engineering, Queen’s University; Formerly Water Quality Analyst for York Region
- Todd Miller, Associate Professor, UW-Milwaukee’s Zilber College of Public Health
- Jordan Murray, Harmful Algal Bloom Epidemiologist, Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- Amy Weckle, Assistant Director, Illinois Water Resources Center
Additional Resources
- Staying Safe and Healthy in Wisconsin’s Lakes Fact Sheet
- Protecting Your Family from Harmful Algal Blooms Fact Sheet
- Blue-Green Algae and Dog Safety Fact Sheet
- Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Fish Consumption
- Staying Safe and Healthy in Wisconsin’s Lakes
- Protecting Your Family from Algal Blooms
- Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms: A Guide for Safe Fishing Practices and Fish Consumption in Wisconsin’s Lakes and Rivers
- WI DNR bloom reporting: DNRHABS@wisconsin.gov. Include photos for verification.
- Wisconsin Department of Health Services Harmful Algal Bloom Identification bookmark. Bookmarks can be ordered through Jordan Murray, jordan.murray@dhs.wisconsin.gov.
- Article: Climate Change Contributes to Shift in Lake Erie’s Harmful Algal Blooms
- North Central Region Water Network, Illinois. The Algal Bloom Action Team hosts a bimonthly webinar series.
- Lake Simcoe Phosphorus Reduction Strategy, Ontario
- Lake Simcoe Protection Plan, Ontario