Blue-Green Algae: Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms Tips and Resources for the Public

Learn how to protect yourself, your family, your pets, and your lake from cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs). View and share the following resources.

CyanoHAB facts sheets

• Cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms and Fish Consumption, P-03625 (PDF)
• Staying Safe and Healthy in Wisconsin’s Lakes: What You Need to Know About Blue-Green Algae, P-01888
• Protecting Your Family from Harmful Algal Blooms, P-02078
• Blue-Green Algae and Dog Safety, P-00089
• CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health

How to prevent cyanoHABs

CyanoHABs often happen because there are too many nutrients, such as phosphorous and nitrogen, in the water. Here are a few ways you can help keep Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers clean and prevent CyanoHABs:

• Reduce how much you use lawn fertilizers.
• Don’t use fertilizers that have phosphates.
• Do routine maintenance on your septic system if you have one.
• Don’t mow up to your shoreline. Instead, leave natural vegetation around ponds and lakes. This strategy helps filter water runoff that may have nutrients that pollute the water.

Find resources for waterfront property owners.

Other resources

• Beaches—Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Blue-Green Algae—Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
• Management of Cyanobacteria in Drinking-Water Supplies—World Health Organization (WHO)
• Wisconsin Poison Center (800-222-1222)

How to report a blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) illness

Members of the general public and veterinarians: should call 608-266-1120 or complete the Harmful Algae Bloom (HAB) Illness or Sighting Survey, F-02152 online form to report any blue-green algae blooms and related human or animal illnesses.