Algae Watch: B.C. wants you to report blooms
Posted May 12, 2021 10:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – B.C.’s lakes are likely to be popular during what Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is hoping will be a “one dose summer,” but some visitors are likely to be greeted by green, soupy water.
That’s caused by algae blooms, which are a natural part of the ecosystem. While most are harmless, some have the potential to produce dangerous toxins.
The province has a new Algae Watch website, aimed at giving scientists a better picture of where and when these blooms are happening.
On the site, you can learn how you can recognize algae blooms with a guide, complete with pictures for reference.
You can then fill out an online form to share information about what you found. The questionnaire is anonymous and you’ll have to answer up to 24 questions. The province says including photos and geographic coordinates is also helpful.
The province says the details will be reviewed by water quality experts, who may reach out for more details. The submissions will likely be shared on an online map sometime in the future.
