Status of Blue-green Algae on Lake Champlain
Lake Status
October 1, 2012
This is the final Blue-green algae monitoring report for 2012.
Reports received last week indicated that blue-green algae populations are continuing to drop around the lake and no blooms were reported. The lake is considered safe for recreation but unreported localized blooms may occur. While fall blooms are not common, they do occur. Anyone active on or near the lake should continue to watch for and avoid blue-green algae blooms.
We thank all the volunteers who provided visual and sampling information for us this summer, as well as Angela Shambaugh at ANR, and the many others for their vigilence and hard work to keep Vermonters informed. A special note of appreciation to Dr. Mary Watzin and Susan Fuller, both of the Rubenstein School at the University of Vermont. Your unique and essential contributions to the state's monitoring efforts will be greatly missed!
Check conditions on Lake Champlain with our Interactive Lake Status Map
- Wind and waves can move algae around. Blooms can appear or disappear very rapidly, so conditions around the lake are likely to change over the course of the week.
- For the current status of your favorite beach or swimming area, contact whoever is responsible for maintaining the beach. This may be the town, Vermont State Parks, or a private association.
- If you believe that someone has become ill because of blue-green algae, seek medical attention and contact the Health Department at 1-800-439-8550.
Updates and data are provided by Vermont Agency of Natural Resources in cooperation with the Lake Champlain Committee and the University of Vermont's Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources.
Lake Status Map
The interactive Lake Champlain status map brings together in one place environmental and public health surveillance data about Blue-green Algae. The status of Blue-green Algae shown on the map reflects conditions and data as of the date of report. Observations and samples are collected once each week. Please note that current conditions may have changed. If you see Blue-green Algae, don't go in the water.
- Search by lake region or by town
- Click on a test site for the latest results
- Click on the site's alert status for more information
The map is a data collaboration project of the Departments of Health and Environmental Conservation.
For searchable data and information about the links between the environment and public health, visit the Vermont Environmental Public Health Tracking Portal
Alert Level Descriptions
The color-coded map illustrates the following alert levels:
- Generally safe (green) - no toxic blue-green algae blooms were present along these shoreline areas when we sampled. These areas should be safe for recreational uses.
- Low alert (yellow) - these shoreline areas have blue-green algae that produce toxins, but toxin concentrations are currently below levels of concern. These areas are open for recreation, but caution is advised in any areas where dense accumulations or scums are apparent.
- High alert (red) - these shorelines have blue-green algae in dense scums, at least in some areas, and toxin concentrations are above levels of concern. The water is not safe for recreational use in areas that contain scums. Please see Department of Health information about beach closings and hazardous areas.
Report a Blue-Green Algae Bloom
Call: 1-800-439-8550 or 802-863-7220