Cyanobacteria (also known as blue-green algae) are common native organisms in lakes, ponds and rivers around the world. In Vermont, they can be found in any water body, river or stream. Some species of cyanobacteria produce toxins and these toxins have been documented in some Vermont lakes.
The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation's Watershed Management Division monitors the water quality of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, and wetlands across Vermont. These monitoring activities are carried out in conjunction with Vermont's Water Quality Monitoring Program Strategy and are outlined in our Field Methods Manual. This strategy spells out several objectives, which include the following:
Lake Champlain Zebra Mussel Monitoring ProgramThe Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation (VTDEC), in cooperation with the Lake Champlain Basin Program, initiated the Lake Champlain Zebra Mussel Monitoring Program in 1994 to track the zebra mussel's distribution through the lake. Reports are provided annually.
