How do I report an algal bloom?

Every year algal blooms occur on a few lakes in Maine. The warmer water temperatures and long sunny days are conducive for algae to grow. These blooms can be very intense, changing the entire lake to a bright green color. As the algae die, blue-green colored scum’s (floating clumps of algae) can form with odors being present. There are about 30 lakes in Maine that frequently support algal blooms. If you see a very noticeable discoloration develop in the water and it’s not the common yellowish layers of pine pollen in early summer, please report your observations using this email address:BloomReport.DEP@maine.gov.

When reporting a potential algal bloom, try to get on the lake and look around in several places, including the deeper areas. Please include as much of the information requested below. Please attach good photographs, if possible.

  1. Name of the lake and town.
  2. Name, address, phone number of person reporting.
  3. When did this start? How long has the condition persisted? How much area is affected?
  4. Is the bloom mixed in the water or is it attached to plants, rocks or other structures? If it is attached, describe the size and color of the growths. Are they stringy or jelly–like or like cotton candy?
  5. If mixed in the water, what were the color(s) of the water and how intense were they?
  6. Is the water turbid (cloudy) or is it full of particles you can see with the naked eye?
  7. Was the bloom concentrated in certain areas (especially in downwind coves) or was it throughout the lake?
  8. Describe any odors associated with the bloom.
  9. Is there a surface scum? If so, is it like green paint?
  10. Have you seen anything like this previously?
  11. If you are a volunteer monitor, what was your most recent Secchi reading for the lake (include date)?

Please visit our algal bloom and cyanobacteria website for more information: https://www.maine.gov/dep/water/lakes/algalbloom.html

If you are interested in monitoring your lake, contact the Lake Stewards of Maine at (207) 783-7733. You can also visit the Lakes of Maine website for more information and data on Maine lakes.