BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – The Health Department is advising Vermonters to be on the lookout for cyanobacteria.
June 20 is the official first day of summer this year, and summer is the peak season for blooms of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Tiny microorganisms which are a natural part of the freshwater ecosystem turn the water a blue-green color and produce toxins harmful to humans and pets.
Health officials say swimming in the blooms may cause skin rashes, diarrhea, a sore throat, stomach problems or more serious health concerns.
Click here for more on cyanobacteria, including what it looks like.
You can also check out the Health Department’s Cyanobacteria Tracker for reported conditions along Lake Champlain and various inland lakes in Vermont. The map shows where cyanobacteria blooms have been reported recently, but it can’t tell you the current conditions at your favorite swimming area.
Blue-green algae foiled many swimmers in Burlington last summer, repeatedly forcing the temporary closures of city beaches.