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.
Cyanobacteria are photosynthesizing bacteria that may produce cyanotoxins that can cause illness to exposed human and animal populations. A bloom is a visually identified concentration of cyanobacteria that discolors the water. Cyanobacterial cells may be found at the water surface, at a defined depth, or present throughout the water column.
Summer 2023 marks the ninth year DWGWPD is collaborating with the Vermont Department of Health (VDH), to offer at no cost cyanotoxin analysis of raw and finished water for the 22 Lake Champlain-sourced public water systems for 12 weeks (July through September). This years samples will be analyzed by Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory (VAEL).
Cyanobacteria Importance to Drinking Water Facilities
