Algal Bloom Monitoring

Algae bloom sites are being investigated and recorded again this summer.

  More than 60 algal bloom locations were documented on Lake George from July through November 2008   All sites were photographed and algae samples were identified.

  Call the Waterkeeper if you would like your shoreline visited.  Land use practices that can be altered to reduce nutrient loading begin with the realization that there is a potential problem, and then recognizing what can be done to eliminate that source.  Protecting and restoring Lake George is our collective goal.

In July 2008, the Waterkeeper reported an algal bloom in Bolton Bay and asked that the public report other potential algae sites in Lake George. Photos can be viewed of the 2008 algal blooms by town in Ticonderoga, Hague, Bolton, Putnam, Hulett's Landing in Dresden, Queensbury and the Town of Lake George . Algal blooms were especially prevalent in Huddle Bay and Smith Brook outlet.  Also see pictures of one of the initial underwater algal bloom photographs in July 2008 in Bolton Bay.

Press reports on this issue are in the Times Union, Lake George Mirror and the Post Star. Listen to the interview on North Country Public Radio.

Algal blooms were seen just offshore of many of the streams in Lake George.  The cause of algal blooms is not only related to Lake George streams carrying nutrients and depositing them in the lake, but impacted streams without buffers do play a large role in nutrients flowing directly into the lake and feeding aquatic plants and algae.  A sampling of some of these stream sites as they enter Lake George (and the algae blooms seen there) was presented to the Lake George Park Commission with Waterkeeper comments supporting the need to continue developing Stream Corridor Protection regulations.

Algal blooms were investigated in 60 different locations around the lake.  Nutrient loading through stormwater runoff, improperly functioning septic systems and use of fertilizers (nutrients that excessively feed the natural algae that is present) and pesticides (chemicals that are intended to kill insects and 'pests' and inadvertently eliminate zooplankton and invertebrates that feed on the algae) are probable causes.

What you can do to reduce nutrient loading (and take the initiative to stop feeding Lake George excess nutrients):

1)  Eliminate using fertilizers and pesticides (see EPA Pesticide Labeling on commonly used products).  Test your soil if you suspect that it is deficient of nutrients and add a top dressing of organic compost to your gardens and lawn in lieu of a fertilizer.  Excess fertilizer that leaves your property unnecessarily feeds algae and aquatic plants in Lake George.  Pesticides may eliminate (kill) zooplankton and aquatic invertebrates that feed on the algae.   Without zooplankton and invertebrates present in the natural food chain, algae blooms proliferate and the fish that would normally feed on zooplankton and invertebrates have no food, and may disappear. 

2)  Your onsite wastewater treatment system (OWTS), or generally referred to as a septic system, should be pumped out and inspected every couple of years.  The inspection should conclude that the tank and absorption field are functioning as intended.  Replace your failing system before contamination to either groundwater or the lake has occurred.  If your system is old, anticipate that a replacement may be necessary, which is a homeowner's responsibility.

3)  Plant a shoreline buffer to treat and infiltrate stormwater that may be leaving your property and entering the lake.  During a storm, watch where the water flows on your property (off your roof, driveway, sidewalk, deck or a sloping bank) and plant a rain garden to temporarily pond and then infiltrate stormwater in the appropriate areas in order to keep the rain water on your property.  Precipitation should infiltrate the ground where it falls, allowing nutrients and pollutants to infiltrate the ground, recharging the groundwater after it has been cleansed and treated by the soils and vegetation on site.  Planting a shoreline buffer will also deter geese and water fowl from entering your property, as these visitors prefer open spaces where their predators can be watched.  

50 feet offshore south of Slim Point (decomposing algae bed (10 ft x 40 ft) and algae covering rocks (photos taken on 9/3/08) 

Heart Bay - the entire bottom of the lake was covered with 1 to 2 ft of algae on sand and covering plants (photos taken on 8/27/08) 

Forest Lake docks - abundant aquatic plant growth and algae covering plants (photos taken on 9/3/08) 

 Curious Blue Gills swimming in murky water disturbed with floating algae.

Sunset Bay in Hulettes Landing (photos taken on 9/23/08)

Just north of Indian Kettles (photos taken on 9/23/08)

  Just north of Stewart Brook in Bolton Landing (photos taken on 6/17/09)