As we all prepare for summer fun on Lake Champlain, Vermont state agencies and local partners are preparing for summer blue-green algae cyanobacteria monitoring.
Blue-green algae occurs naturally in the waters of Vermont, including in Lake Champlain, and thrives in nutrient-rich conditions. The algae can multiply rapidly in warm conditions.
These annual monitoring efforts by the Vermont Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) will be guided by new advice from the EPA on blue-green algae toxins in drinking water.
“We welcome the new science-based guidance from EPA, and will use it to determine the appropriate advisory level to protect the health of Vermonters”, ~ Sarah Vose, PhD. -Vermont Health Department Toxicologist
EPA Guidance for Blue-Green Algae in Lake Champlain
For the past few years the departments of Health and Environmental Conservation and LCC have partnered to train drinking water operators on blue-green algae monitoring, so that public water systems are prepared for blue-green algae blooms. The Health Department laboratory is also equipped to test for cyanobacterial toxins.
This summer, operators of drinking water facilities on Lake Champlain will regularly monitor their raw and treated water for toxins.
“DEC will be working with any water system providers that find toxins in their water to manage the threat to drinking water… Source protection is the first line of defense for safe drinking water. Everyone should remember that keeping nutrients like phosphorus out of our lakes and reservoirs is one of the most important steps we can take to protect our drinking water.” ~ Ellen Parr-Doering, assistant director of the Drinking Water and Ground Water Protection Division, DEC.
blue green algae
Drinking water containing blue-green algae toxins can cause stomach problems and liver damage in humans and pets. Health and environmental officials plan to review the EPA guidance and incorporate it into Vermont’s existing advisory levels for blue-green algae toxins in drinking water. The updated advisory levels are expected to be in place by early summer.
Resources:
- Vermont Department of Health
- Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
- Drinking Water and Groundwater Protection Division
- Watershed Management Division
More Articles About Lake Champlain and Blue Green Algae:
- Lake Erie Toxic Algae Breaks Records in 2015
- Farmers: Lake pollution is not just us
- Farmers, environmentalists sound off on Missisquoi Bay settlement
- DEC Approves Plan to Protect Northern Lake Champlain Tributaries
- LCC Week 15 blue-green algae report