Front Page News At Least 17 States Reporting Deadly Blue-Green Algae in Lakes, Rivers, Ponds

[Kflowers]

From the Dogginton Post
" Algal concentrations vary throughout the year, but are most abundant during periods of hot weather in mid- to late-summer months and are most likely to be found in nutrient-rich water. While most blue-green algae blooms do not produce toxins, it is not possible to determine the presence of toxins without testing. Thus, all blooms should be considered potentially toxic. Very small exposures, such a few mouthfuls of algae-contaminated water, may result in fatal poisoning. "

Please check for warning signs before you let your dogs, or other animals swim.

Authorities Issue A Warning After A Dog's Death From Exposure In Jordan Lake - The Dogington Post

“This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.” Reports of dogs getting sick and some dying after visiting the Farrington Boat Launch on Jordan Lake prompted authorities to warn pet owners about the water condition. Sarah Pohlig...

www.dogingtonpost.com

 

[Caspers Human]

Yup! It's called "cyanobacteria."
It's been happening for years but, in the past several, it's been getting worse.

Partly, it's because of the warmer climate but it's also made worse because of excess fertilizers that find their way into the watershed.

Runoff from farms is partly to blame but farmers have a vested interest in keeping fertilizers on their own land.
If a farmer sprays fertilizer on his crops, only to have it washed away by the next rain, he loses money because all the stuff he sprayed isn't fertilizing his crops anymore. That doesn't mean that all farmers are careful but the smart ones are.

Another cause is leaking sewage systems. Homes with outdated septic systems can leak sewage into the water supply.
Many of these old septic systems are "grandfathered" because they were installed before the laws changed to relate the problem. If repairs or upgrades are made to these systems, they have to be up to current code but they can still remain for decades, untouched and leaking sewage, all the while.

The one that really burns my butt is Chemlawn! Those artificial fertilizers that people have sprayed on their lawns are like steroids for cyanobacteria! That stuff gets sprayed then, when it rains, it flows down the storm sewers and gets put into the watershed, virtually untreated. Once it gets into the water, it makes algae grow like wildfire!

I have no idea why people think spraying their lawns with artificial fertilizer is a good idea!

Companies like Chemlawn or Perf-a-Lawn should be made illegal!