HAB Season Has Begun: The Importance of Protecting Lake George

With summer temperatures rising, harmful algal bloom (HAB) season has begun in nearby waterbodies. While Lake George has not been impacted, Lake Champlain has already experienced multiple beach closures due to toxic cyanobacteria in the lake.  

Not all cyanobacteria are toxic, but certain conditions can increase the probability of cyanobacteria forming a harmful algal bloom. HABs are dense concentrations of toxic cyanobacteria (also known as blue green algae) that often occur on freshwater lakes when conditions are warm and calm. High concentrations of algae-feeding nutrients in lakes and failing septic systems can increase the likelihood of a HAB, especially when weather conditions are ideal.  

While not all cyanobacteria blooms are toxic, it is important to treat all blooms as though they are harmful until scientific testing is completed to determine the toxicity of the bloom. Do not recreate in any water that may contain a HAB, as this could pose health threats to humans and pets. To learn how to identify HABs, visit the LGA HAB guidance page. 

HABs don't just shut down beaches; they can harm local economies, deter tourism, pollute drinking water, limit lake recreation, and more. Exposure to HABs through ingestion of contaminated water, eating contaminated fish, or exposing a cut to contaminated water can cause illness in humans, pets, and wildlife.  

It is not a coincidence that HABs in Lake Champlain have caused numerous Burlington beaches to shut down over the 4th of July weekend, while Lake George beaches remained open and unaffected.  

During a previous cyanobacteria bloom on Lake George in October of 2022, Jefferson Project researchers tested the cyanobacteria for toxins. They discovered that the cyanobacteria subjects did not have the toxin-producing genes that would pose threats to Lake George. Their findings were published in ScienceDirect. Additionally, the land in the Lake George watershed is predominantly forested, while the land in the Lake Champlain Basin includes urban areas and agricultural land. If a HAB does occur in Lake George, it requires ideal conditions such as warm water temperatures and little wind. Therefore, HAB season does not typically occur in Lake George until late summer and early fall. However, with temperatures warming, this is susceptible to change. 

The HAB threat to Lake George is currently low, but this does not mean the greater Lake George community is stagnant. Passionate volunteers monitor areas of Lake George through the LGA HABWatch program and Jefferson Project researchers monitor Lake George to alert the community when the Lake is experiencing ideal HAB conditions. To help reduce septic and stormwater pollution – which could help lead to HABs by way of nutrient pollution – LID certifications provide guidelines for pollution reduction and the LGA's Lake Impact Fund offers resources to watershed homeowners looking to reduce nutrient pollution on their properties.  

The lack of frequent HABs in Lake George allows for uninterrupted lakeside recreation, safe drinking water and a thriving local economy. Your support of the LGA helps us continue to monitor the threat of HABs and invest in the most impactful nutrient reduction projects around the Lake, to keep it clear and clean for generations. 

Watershed Property Owners and HABs 

Lake George watershed property owners play a pivotal role in mitigating HABs in Lake George. Stormwater runoff from lakeside properties and ailing septic systems can increase nutrient pollution in Lake George. Elevated nutrient pollution levels in Lake George can increase the likelihood of a HAB forming on the Lake. 

Luckily homeowners in the Lake George watershed can help reduce pollution from septic systems and stormwater runoff with the help of the LGA. Through the LGA Lake Impact Fund, homeowners can receive grants to reduce septic and stormwater pollution on their property. If you are interested in applying for a grant, the LGA can help you understand eligibility, think through project options, and navigate the process from start to finish. Email [email protected] and/or Jennifer Collins-Foley: [email protected] to get started!