blue-green algae

Plans for a proposed 600MW hyperscale datacenter in Palm Beach county raise environmental concerns near the Florida Everglades. Environmentalists warn that the facility could damage the wetlands, exacerbating issues like toxic bacterial blooms. The area's ecosystem is already stressed by factors including drought and fertilizer runoff.

The Minneapolis Parks and Recreation Board issued a hazardous algae warning at all three Cedar Lake beaches due to blue-green algae blooms. Despite water samples showing high risk at only the south beach, all beaches were closed to prevent spread from weather conditions. The algae produces cyanotoxins that can cause illness in humans and are fatal to dogs.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) warns visitors to avoid direct skin contact with water in the west boat ramp cove at John Martin Reservoir State Park due to blue-green algae toxin levels exceeding the recommended threshold. Routine water sampling detected toxin levels above the safety limit, prompting the advisory.

The death of a swan family has left residents devastated. The council reported blue-green algae on the lake, which poses a threat to wildlife.

Low water levels caused by drought conditions are forcing an early closure of motorized boat ramps at Barr Lake State Park, with the ramps closing Friday at 9 p.m. Park rangers cited the risk of trailers getting stuck in mud as water levels near the sandy bottom. Hand-launched vessels like kayaks and paddleboards remain permitted, and fishing activity remains strong despite the low water.

Colorado's drought is causing higher water temperatures and reduced water levels in Denver, leading to elevated E. coli and blue-green algae levels. The Denver Department of Public Health and Environment (DDPHE) warns of public health risks, including harmful algae blooms and contaminated water activities, and is implementing increased testing and real-time monitoring systems.

Sloan’s Lake in Denver has experienced toxic blue-green algae blooms that killed thousands of fish, including a 2024 die-off of at least 2,000 fish. The lake’s shallow depth and rising temperatures due to climate change contribute to algae overgrowth, which harms fish by depleting oxygen or releasing toxins. Colorado Parks and Wildlife restocked the lake with 9,500 rainbow trout after the 2024 incident.