Why is Algae in Lake Lillinonah a Problem?

The lake has a lot of nutrients that cause algae to bloom, which creates many problems. Algal blooms make the lake undesirable for recreation, and can harm people, pets, and wildlife in the lake. Large blooms of algae can also cause hypoxia at the bottom of the lake. Hypoxic areas, or dead zones, are places within a lake where there are low levels of dissolved oxygen because of the decomposition of dead algae from blooms. This causes the organisms within the area to either leave (if they can), or suffocate. Certain algae species, such as Microcystis, can also produce toxins when they bloom, which can harm people and pets.

What are the Effects of Algal Toxins?

When humans and animals ingest or come into contact with algal toxins, the effects can be very harmful. Algal toxins can cause rashes, headaches, fevers, vomiting, and diarrhea, and children are often the most sensitive to algal toxins. In pets and other animals, ingesting algal toxins can cause paralysis and sometimes death.

What Can You Do To Reduce Algal Blooms?

You can help reduce blooms by being aware of the effect of nutrient rich fertilizers, and choosing to use them less often or in smaller portions. If you have a septic tank, making sure that it is regularly maintained can also help reduce blooms. Make yourself aware of when a bloom is occurring, and let your friends and neighbors know about the hazards of algal blooms. You can also help Lake Lillinonah by using the EPA's BloomWatch app to report any blooms.

You can also help Lake Lillinonah by supporting Friends of the Lake (FOTL) and the Citizen-Led Environmental Observatory (CLEO). CLEO is a citizen science project in which volunteers take samples and water quality measurements on Lillinonah during the summer recreational season. CLEO data shows that the thick surface scums that sometimes form near shore have high levels of algal toxins and should be avoided by humans and pets.

Friends of the Lake, in collaboration with Fairfield University, also collects data on the lake's water quality, using a research buoy outfitted with automated sensors. Current conditions are available on the FOTL website. They hope to use these data to help understand why and when harmful algal blooms occur.

To Learn More About Friends of the Lake and CLEO Click the Links Below

Why Should You Care?

By reducing the amount of nutrients entering Lake Lillinonah, there will be fewer, and shorter, blooms. This means there will be more days for recreational activities, such as boating, fishing, and swimming, as well as a reduced chance of children or pets ingesting algal toxins.