With summer temperatures on the rise, harmful algal bloom (HAB) season has begun across the Lake Champlain Basin.
Although no HABs have been detected in the Upper Saranac watershed, several beaches on Lake Champlain have already been closed due to toxic cyanobacteria. These closures serve as an important reminder that protecting water quality requires ongoing vigilance.
Harmful algal blooms are more than an inconvenience. They can threaten public health, harm pets and wildlife, reduce recreational opportunities, impact tourism and local businesses, and even affect drinking water supplies. Remaining proactive is the best way to reduce the risk of HABs developing in our watershed.
What Are HABs?
HAB stands for Harmful Algal Bloom. These blooms occur when certain types of cyanobacteria (commonly called blue-green algae) multiply rapidly and accumulate near the water’s surface. Some cyanobacteria produce powerful toxins known as cyanotoxins, which can affect the liver, kidneys, nervous system, and other organs.
Children, pets, and wildlife are particularly vulnerable. Dogs are especially at risk because they may ingest toxins by drinking contaminated water or licking algae from their fur after swimming.
Understanding the Causes
HABs are influenced by a combination of environmental factors, nutrient levels, weather, and climate conditions. To better understand these conditions, the Upper Saranac Foundation partners with the Adirondack Watershed Institute at Paul Smith’s College. The Foundation’s Environmental Monitoring Platform, located in the south basin of Upper Saranac Lake, continuously collects valuable information on water temperature, precipitation, solar radiation, and lake stratification. This data helps identify the conditions that contribute to HAB development and improves our ability to protect the watershed.
Prevention Starts on Land
The most effective way to reduce the risk of harmful algal blooms is to limit the amount of phosphorus and nitrogen entering our lakes and streams. The Upper Saranac Foundation’s watershed management efforts focus on reducing these nutrient inputs through science-based stewardship.
Everyone can help by:
- Maintaining septic systems.
- Reducing or eliminating lawn fertilizer use.
- Improving stormwater management to reduce runoff.
- Protecting natural shoreline vegetation.
As climate change and land-use pressures continue to influence Adirondack lakes, long-term monitoring has become increasingly important. The Environmental Monitoring Platform provides the scientific information needed to understand changing lake conditions, guide management decisions, and help protect the Upper Saranac watershed for future generations.
To learn more about harmful algal blooms and how you can help protect our lakes, visit the Upper Saranac Foundation’s HAB webpage: https://usfoundation.net/programs/harmful-algal-blooms-habs/
