BURLINGTON, Vt. -
Blue-green algae is a growing concern for Vermont health leaders.
That's because they say the blooms could appear elsewhere besides Lake Champlain and that's where they need some help to catch them.
St. Albans Bay was a popular spot for fishing Thursday and come summer it's also a common place to find blue-green algae blooms.
"We've just heard that it's toxic and harmful to pets," says Erin Charron, who lives nearby.
That's why Charron says she keeps her family away from the blooms.
"It's nothing we want to mess around with," says Charron.
The health department is concerned that the problems that affect St. Albans Bay could also pop up in ponds and lakes across Vermont.
Tracking these blooms is the job of Vermont state toxicologist Sarah Vose.
Vose says blooms could increase in the coming years and appear in lakes and ponds where they haven't before. She blames more nutrients in the water and rising temperatures.
"When the water is warmer the blue-green algae are more likely to multiply," says Vose.
Vose says there are tests in known bloom areas on Lake Champlain. But the health department wants people to be on the lookout for blooms on other lakes and ponds.
"They can also call the health department, send us a picture, even with a cell phone camera, and someone can probably give some advice on whether it is blue-green algae," says Vose.
The health department has put together a guide on how to spot blue-green algae.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
