Outdoors: Algal blooms pose dangers to people, pets

Mike Barcaskey
Beaver County Times

As if viruses, drought, 90-degree temperatures and murder hornets are not enough to be worried about, get ready for harmful algae blooms.

Harmful algal blooms, or HABs, occur every year in Pennsylvania as water temperatures rise, water stagnates and nutrients increase. The typical season for algal blooms ranges from July through August and sometimes into September, but HABs can occur during other times of the year if conditions are right. With the extended high temperatures and lack of rainfall, HABs could be more common later this summer.

Harmful algal blooms are caused by blue-green algae that produce toxins, according to the Regional Science Consortium at Presque Isle in Erie. Although the name implies algae, they are technically a type of bacteria called cyanobacteria. When conditions are right, these microscopic organisms grow quickly, or, as commonly described, “bloom.” When the bacteria produces toxins, these blooms can become dangerous to humans, dogs and other domestic animals.

Harmful algae blooms have been observed throughout Pennsylvania, with Presque Isle Bay and Lake Erie being the hot spot in the western part of the state. They can occur almost anywhere: lakes, ponds, storm-water retention basins, rivers and reservoirs. Streams with good flow are the one exception.

These blooms are generally characterized by surface scums that resemble spilled paint or pea soup. They are often green or blue-green, but may be brown, black, white, purple or red. Swallowing or contact with affected water or scum can cause serious illness, especially to dogs. Even after visible blooms subside, the toxins may still be present in the water.

Currently, Presque Isle State Park has four beaches under HAB advisories due to toxicity to dogs.

As always, knowledge is power. If you like to spend time in or on the water, you need to educate yourself to identify HABs. This is especially true because there is no statewide monitoring or database of current conditions. While agencies in the Lake Erie region take a proactive approach to water testing, the rest of the state is reactionary, testing only after a possible sighting.

Along with numerous informative websites that can be found by searching “Pennsylvania Harmful Algae Blooms,” the Penn State Extension will be holding a live webinar on Thursday, July 23.

“Protecting Dogs and Animals from Harmful Algae Blooms” will discuss harmful algae blooms that cause water-quality problems in lakes and ponds, including the occasional production of potent toxins. These toxins can poison people, household pets, waterfowl, and livestock when there is exposure or ingestion. Because HABs are increasing in many areas, the number of dog poisonings from cyanobacterial toxins is also on the rise. This webinar will help you visually identify harmful algae blooms so they can be avoided.

If you own a pond or lake, the webinar will also outline steps you can take to prevent or treat harmful algae blooms and protect animals before and after they are exposed to pond and lake water.

Go to the Penn State Extension website and search for “HAB.” Several informative results will come up, including the link for the webinar. Preregistration is required by July 22.

Mike Barcaskey is a local sportsman. He can be reached at mikebarcaskey@outlook.com.