Lake Erie Algae Blooms

Lake Erie’s algae blooms are an annual threat to the health and drinking water of more than 11 million people. This is unacceptable.

Each summer, communities and businesses around Lake Erie worry about and plan for toxic algae blooms, wondering if the algae will:

• pollute their drinking water,
• harm the region’s vital tourism economy, and
• prevent residents and visitors from enjoying boating, swimming, and visiting Lake Erie shorelines.

The cause of the algae blooms

Lake Erie’s algae blooms are caused by runoff pollution. This type of pollution occurs when rainfall washes fertilizer and manure spread on large farm fields into streams that flow into Lake Erie. This fuels a bumper crop of algae each year that can make water toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

We’re working in the Western Lake Erie Basin to learn more about where runoff comes from and how to target prevention strategies. With partners, including the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we’ve deployed sensors in key Lake Erie watersheds that monitor for runoff pollution with the goal of reducing blooms in the future. 

Algae blooms are preventable

Scientists report that reducing the amount of runoff pollution will significantly reduce Lake Erie algae blooms and improve the lake’s health.

Mandatory rules needed

Unfortunately, very few rules are in place to limit runoff pollution from big farms. It is time for mandatory regulations to reduce the amount of runoff pollution allowed to flow into Lake Erie. New regulations will reduce Lake Erie’s blooms, restore the lake, and ensure safe, clean drinking water for our families.