Algae

When summer arrives and temperatures climb, lakes, ponds, and reservoirs often undergo an unsettling transformation: they turn green, slimy, and sometimes even toxic. The culprits are cyanobacteria—commonly known as blue-green algae—which thrive in warm, nutrient-rich waters. These summer blooms are not just unsightly; they can release harmful toxins, deplete oxygen levels, and disrupt aquatic ecosystems, creating problems for wildlife, recreation, and even drinking water supplies.