Cyanobacteria Conditions in Vermont's Waters

Cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae, are naturally found in fresh water in the U.S. and in Lake Champlain and other Vermont waters. Some types of cyanobacteria can release natural toxins or poisons (called cyanotoxins) into the water, especially when they die and break down. People and pets should stay away from cyanobacteria blooms. Learn more about cyanobacteria

Check the Cyanobacteria Tracker Map

Information on lake conditions is provided by a network of volunteers trained and coordinated by the Lake Champlain Committee and by scientists from the Vermont departments of Health and Environmental Conservation. Monitors submit weekly visual observations of water conditions from sites around Lake Champlain.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer monitor next year on Lake Champlain or in the Lake Champlain Basin, reach out to the Lake Champlain Committee at [email protected]. If you are interested in monitoring a different Vermont lake, reach out to the Department of Environmental Conservation at [email protected].

Identifying Cyanobacteria

It's important to know what cyanobacteria look like and to use your best judgment when thinking about swimming or doing other activities in the water. See photos of what cyanobacteria look like and what are not cyanobacteria.

Watch a video to help you identify cyanobacteria

Weekly Drinking Water Test Results

All 22 public drinking water suppliers on Lake Champlain submit samples for cyanobacteria toxin analysis. Drinking water test results are updated weekly by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.

See the drinking water test results

Partners in Monitoring Vermont’s Waters

  • Lake Champlain Basin Program – funds cyanobacteria monitoring in the Lake Champlain Basin

  • Lake Champlain Committee (LCC) – since 2003, coordinates and trains a group of citizen volunteers to monitor shoreline sites on Lake Champlain in Vermont, New York, and Quebec. You can reach out to LCC if you are interested in becoming a volunteer monitor.

  • Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation – monitors long-term water quality at dozens of off-shore stations on Lake Champlain and recruits and trains volunteers on many other Vermont lakes

  • Vermont State Parks – monitors conditions at park swim areas

How to Report a Cyanobacteria Bloom

Report a bloom to the Health Department by filling out an online form. Include several photos and note the location of the bloom. (Taking pictures of water is difficult with glare and reflections. Take more pictures than you think you need!)

Report a Cyanobacteria Bloom

Topics:
Blue-green Algae | Recreational Water | Tracking Portal | Waterborne Illnesses
Last Updated: March 20, 2023