Swimming or wading in water with a cyanobacteria bloom may cause skin rashes, diarrhea, a sore throat, stomach problems, or more serious health concerns. Can also affect pets who drink from the shoreline or swallow the cyanobacteria by licking it off their coats.
- What a bloom looks like:
- Cyanobacteria blooms are usually green or blue-green and can make the water look like pea soup or spilled paint, but they can be other colors and consistencies too.
- Video and photos of what is – and isn’t – a cyanobacteria bloom
- Cyanobacteria Tracker is available to check reported conditions along Lake Champlain and various inland lakes in Vermont.
- Bloom conditions can and do change quickly, and not all locations are monitored.
- If you think it’s a cyanobacteria bloom:
- Avoid contact with the water.
- Do not let pets or livestock swim in or drink the water.
- If you come in contact with cyanobacteria, rinse off thoroughly as soon as possible.
- Talk with your health care provider if you have concerns about possible exposure.
- More resources:
- Volunteer to help monitor cyanobacteria: email lcc@lakechamplaincommittee.org
